Pork Humba

Pork Humba recipe — a delicious Filipino dish that’s sweet, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s similar to adobo but includes banana blossoms, black beans, and a touch of sweetness.

Pork Humba (Filipino Braised Pork)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork belly – cut into chunks

• 6 cloves garlic – minced

• 1 large onion – sliced

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup vinegar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, adds extra flavor)

• 1/4 cup salted black beans (tausi) – rinsed

• 1/2 cup dried banana blossoms (optional) – soaked in warm water

• 3-5 pcs dried bay leaves

• 1/2 tsp black peppercorns – cracked

• 1/4 cup cooking oil

• Hard-boiled eggs (optional, for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate Pork:

   • In a bowl, combine pork belly, soy sauce, and garlic. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Sear the Pork:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the marinated pork until browned on all sides.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

   • Push the pork to one side and sauté onions in the same pan until softened.

4. Add the Seasonings:

   • Add vinegar, pineapple juice (if using), water, brown sugar, bay leaves, and cracked peppercorns. Do not stir after adding vinegar—let it boil for a few minutes to cook off the strong acid.

5. Simmer the Pork:

   • Stir and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours or until pork is tender and sauce is thickened. Add water as needed.

6. Add Extras:

   • Add black beans (tausi) and banana blossoms. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes. Adjust salt and sugar to taste.

7. Optional Garnish:

   • Add boiled eggs before serving.

Serving Suggestion:

• Serve hot over steamed white rice.

Tips:

• Use pork belly for a rich, flavorful dish. You can also mix in pork hocks or ribs.

• The longer you simmer, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.

• Tausi (black beans) add a salty, umami punch — don’t skip it if you want the authentic Humba taste!