Pinakbet is popular throughout the Philippines, with different regional variations depending on ingredient availability and local taste adaptations, but this vegetable dish was originated as Ilocano dishes. It is basically a mix of string beans, okra, eggplant, pumpkin, and bitter gourd (ampalaya) cooked in broth and spices until the liquid is reduced, which is where it gets its name from, “pinakebbet”, which means, “made smaller”. This is usually flavored with bagoong, or shrimp paste.
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