Authentic Filipino Pamplina Recipe (Slow-cooked Spanish-Filipino Pork Stew)
Pamplina is a heritage Spanish-Filipino stew that elevates inexpensive cuts of pork leg and white beans through patient, slow cooking. The dish gains its distinct character from Spanish chorizo, which infuses the broth with a smoky depth while potatoes and cabbage add heartiness. Though its name ironically means "unimportant" in Spanish slang, Pamplina's rich flavors and tender, fall-off-the-bone meat make it a cherished dish, particularly in Manila's historic Quiapo district where it remains a fiesta favorite. Some consider it a simplified cousin to callos, minus the tripe, while others view it as an ingenious way to repurpose leftover meats from nilaga or puchero - but all agree on its remarkable transformation of humble ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Large Heavy-Bottom Pot (Kaldero) For main cooking to ensure even heat distribution
- Strainer [Salaan] For draining and rinsing pork
- Sharp knife (kutsilyo) For cutting meat and vegetables
- Cutting board (Sangkalan) For preparation
- Wooden spoon (sandok na kahoy) For stirring without scratching pot
- Measuring cups and spoons (Panukat) For accurate measurements
- Separate frying pan For chorizo preparation
Ingredients
For the Meat Base
- 1.5 kg pork leg pata, cut into sections
- 300 g white beans white kidney beans/cannellini, soaked overnight
- 3-4 pieces Spanish chorizo sliced
- 2 white onions sibuyas, chopped
- 1 whole garlic head bawang, minced
- 2 tomatoes kamatis, sliced
Vegetables
- 3 potatoes patatas, cubed
- 1 small cabbage repolyo, cut into strips
- 2 bay leaves dahon ng laurel
Seasonings
- Fish sauce patis to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper paminta
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by soaking your white beans overnight in cold water - this ensures they'll cook evenly. The next day, start your Pamplina by bringing a pot of water to boil. Add your pork leg pieces and let them boil for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the pork well under running water to remove any impurities.
- In a clean, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add your chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cleaned pork leg pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides - this should take about 3-5 minutes per side at medium-high heat. Once browned, add your sliced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add your soaked and drained white beans and bay leaves to the pot. Pour in enough water to completely cover the meat and beans. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 1 hour, occasionally checking that there's enough liquid.
- While the stew simmers, prepare your chorizo. In a separate pan, heat a small amount of olive oil and gently pan-fry the sliced chorizo until fragrant. Once done, transfer both the chorizo and its flavorful oil into the main pot.
- Add your cubed potatoes to the pot. Season the broth with fish sauce and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer on low heat for another 40 minutes, or until the meat is tender enough to fall off the bone and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Finally, add your sliced cabbage and cook for just 5 more minutes - you want it tender but still slightly crisp. Turn off the heat and let the stew rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serve your Pamplina piping hot in bowls with steamed white rice on the side. Remember, this stew actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
Tips from Lola's Kitchen
- Soak beans overnight in cold water to ensure even cooking
- Don't skip the initial boiling and rinsing of pork - it removes impurities
- Cook on the lowest possible heat for the most tender meat
- Add salt only after beans are tender to prevent tough beans
- Let the stew rest for 15 minutes before serving for flavors to meld
Traditional Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with steaming white rice (kanin)
- Pair with crusty bread (pandesal) for sauce soaking
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions
- Traditional accompaniments: pickle papaya (atchara)
- Best enjoyed during cold weather or rainy season
Troubleshooting
- If too watery: Simmer uncovered to reduce
- If too thick: Add hot water gradually
- Tough meat: Continue cooking on low heat
- Beans not soft: Cook longer before adding salty ingredients
Ingredient Alternatives
- Pork leg → Pork shoulder or beef shank
- White beans → Garbanzo beans or red kidney beans
- Spanish chorizo → Local longganisa (will alter flavor profile)
- Fresh tomatoes → Canned diced tomatoes
- Cabbage → Pechay or bok choy
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Gentle heat on stovetop, adding water if needed
- Let frozen stew thaw overnight in refrigerator
Variations
- Spicy version: Add siling labuyo (bird's eye chili)
- Seafood twist: Add shrimp or squid in the last 5 minutes
- Vegetable-rich: Add carrots, green beans, and bell peppers
- Meatier version: Include different types of chorizo or ham
FAQs
Q: What does "Pamplina" mean? A: From Spanish colloquial language, it means "something unimportant," referring to the humble ingredients used. Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker? A: Yes, cook on low for 8 hours after the initial pork boiling step. Q: Is this similar to Callos? A: Similar flavor profile but without tripe, making it more accessible. Q: Can I use canned beans? A: Yes, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 0.3mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 880mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 348IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 3mg
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