Dinengdeng is a medley of different kinds of vegetables stewed in bagoong monamon soup base then topped with fried fish.
Our Saturdays are a bit different than the rest of the week. That’s the time when we go to Quiapo Church to hear Saturday mass, give thanks to the blessings that we receive, and pray for guidance. After church, we head on to the wet market located just a few steps outside the church. That’s where I buy strawberries, lanzones, lettuce, or any fruit in season. It’s cheaper there than anywhere else.
Last Saturday, peanutbutter♥ and I spotted a few exotic vegetables we rarely cook and eat. We thought it’s something we should try and something that Ykaie should get introduced to. So we thought of cooking Dinengdeng.
Dinengdeng (also called Inabraw) is an Ilocano dish that is very much similar to Pinakbet but contains fewer vegetables and is cooked in a bagoong soup base. It is kind of like a free-style dish because you can put any vegetables you like and top it with any kind of fish. The last time I made this the ingredients were Squash, Jute leaves (saluyot), bittermelon, eggplant, and okra. Then it was topped off with fried Galunggong (Mackerel Scad).
This time I was making it with Bunga ng Malunggay (Moringa Pods), Bataw (Hyacint Beans), Patani (Lima Beans), Sweet Potato, Jute Leaves, Bittermelon, and Alakon Blossoms.
These are vegetables I rarely see at the wet market specially the lima beans, moringa pods, and the alakon.
This is the first time I’ve tried these Moringa Pods. Some call it Hagod which I think came from the manner it is eaten. It’s a bit difficult to peel because the skin is thick. So what is usually done with it when cooked is just massage it and push the pods and meat out the skin when cooked… hence Hagod.
Can you believe you can buy peeled ones in Quiapo? Saves you the time and effort to peel them.
Our Dinengdeng is topped with fried Tanigue. Ykaie loved this version of Dinengdeng more than the first one. She loves the Moringa Pods while I discovered I loved the sweet potato.
Include Dinengdeng in your menu this Lenten Season. (More Recipes for Lent here)
Oh, BTW, How do you like my new lay-out? I spent quite sometime with this last week that’s why my blogpost has taken a back seat. I love love love how it looks!
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 small knob of ginger sliced
- 2 tbsp bagoong monamon, (choose boneless so you won't have to strain it)
- 2 cups water
- 2 pieces sweet potato, peeled and cut into pieces
- 1 cup lima beans (patani)
- 1 cup alakon blossoms
- 1 cup moringga pods, cut into pieces,
- 1 cup jute leaves
- 1 bittermelon, cleaned and cut into pieces,
- fried fish (king fish or mackerel scad or any fish you like)
- Heat oil in a pot.
- Sauté garlic, onion and ginger until onion becomes translucent.
- Add bagoong monamon and water.
- Bring it to a boil then add sweet potato and lima beans. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add bittermelon, moringga pods, alakon blossoms and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add jute leaves and simmer for an additional 1 minute.
- You can either add the fried fish on top of the vegetables and the simmer it for an additional 1 minute. Or just add the fish on top of the vegetables upon serving so it will remain crispy.
I have seen moringa pods many times before but I never asked my mom how they’re eaten. Haha! Thanks to this article, I learnt something about it. 🙂
And your layout is great! I love blogs that are not too heavy to load (mobile friendly blogs)
Thanks Glaiza!
How gorgeous does this recipe look and really enjoyed your photography!
Thanks Joanne!
Not only does this make a handsome meal to look at, it looks absolutely scrumptious. I wish I could make my food look so tasty. I’ll have to work on it.
Thanks terri. it’s healthy too!
It has been awhile since I had a bite of those, looks like I want to eat them up again haha!
It’s good for you, so you should.
I am all for unique foods and this one takes the cake. Love the food photography too. I am just getting into this myself
Thanks kita!
Oh my God i just fall in love with these pictures.The looks beautiful. I like the recipe and definatly soon i am going to try this. thanx for sharing
Thanks Brook!
I have not heard of some of these veggies before. Your recipe looks delicious I am going to have to see if I can find these veggies.
These are kind of exotic veggies.
i NEver knew that you could cook with moringa pods, I would have done that when I was still there in Pinas. Looks yummy!
It is! Healthy too!
This recipe looks AMAZING. I love your pictures: gorgeous. I have never had a dinendeng before. It is a must try
Thanks Dogvills!
The only thing I reccognize is the black eyed peas. These foods look very interesting and your dish looks beautiful, I bet it tastes just as well.
yes it does. Thanks Heather.
When I’m at the farmers market, I see tons of exotic vegetables that I’d love to try. I’m going to look for these the next time I’m there.
You just have to try exotic veggies you haven’t tried before.
The king fish looks delectable! And I love seeing your photos of all the exotic vegetables. I think it’s great you’re reaching out and trying to prepare new things.
Yes I am and it’s turning out to be quite an adventure.
This looks absolutely amazing!! I really love how all of this turned out, I need to try it!
Thanks Lauren!
I honestly didn’t have any idea what dinengdeng is, but I’ve heard about it before. Looks healthy and delicious.
Thanks Kat!
Gorgeous photos, delicious-looking and innovative recipe, nice layout. Girl you got it goin’ blog-wise! Love it!
Thanks Crystal!
I didn’t even know what half of these vegetables were. But your photographs made them look so appetizing. Very informative!
Thanks Tyra!
I’m a local and yet I didn’t know such a dish existed! I have to agree with everyone else, your photos look amazing! If Dinengdeng tastes as good as your photos look, then it’s definitely a must-have!
Thanks Jackie!
Very interesting and yummy recipe! Thanks for sharing! I could see how good that would be with rice on the side! 🙂
Oh yeah, it’s so good with rice.
Thanks for sharing the recipe. My husband always wants vegetables during our meals, and I always look for new recipes to cook, this is really helpful 🙂
You’re welcome Lique
I suddenly miss my mom after reading this 🙁
She used to cook dinengdeng when she was still alive.
Awww. I’m sorry.
I actually never heard of Dinengdeng before, but it looks like something I’d enjoy! I’ll definitely have to try it sometime.
If you love veggies then you’ll definitely enjoy it.
sort of reminds me of laswa except w fish, love clean dishes like this…it also matches your equally new, clean layout. lol
Thanks Sarah!
My aunt who’s here in PH for a 3 week vacay would definitely love this Pinoy food! Thanks for sharing your recipe, Peachy. 🙂
you’re welcome Krisna!
Every time na nakikita ko ‘to naglalaway ako. I love dinengdeng, yun lang hindi ako marunong magluto nito. Thanks for the recipe, I’ll try it soon.
Kayang-kaya mo to Madam!
Looks yummy! Nice photos sis. Wish I can cook this someday. Hubby is not fond of bagoong. But i will try parin. Huhu.
Thanks Nica!
This looks so delicious Sis. It makes me hungry. I love vegetables and missed that kind of fish too. Forget about the diet 🙂
hahaha.. who’s dieting?
I think I tasted this dish somewhere, I just can’t remember where :)) Thanks for sharing your recipe 🙂
You’re welcome.
Your pictures are gorgeous, makes me miss it more. The last time I ate and tasted it was like “48 yrs ago” when I’m still working at Luzon. Tagal na!
Good thing you have your recipe, might wanna try this 🙂 Thanks 🙂
Thanks Shiella!
What a healthy dish! I love dishes with bagoong! 🙂
Same here!
Your recipes never fail to make my stomach grumble. And it’s already midnight right now. Yikes!
Thanks Pam!
oh la la . . my favorite food ever. . . this is such healthy dish ever actually
Yes, it’s very healthy.
Aha! I can use this to trick my children into eating fish and gulay. 🙂
I hope they like it.
I always enjoy your food photography! Can’t wait to wok with you.
Thanks Phenomenal Mama!
I grew up in an ilokano household, so lagi ako nakakakain nito! But yours is truly appetizing! Love the pictures!
Thanks Shalene. Mahilig si hubby sa Dinengdeng.
It’s my first time to hear the recipe name Dinengdeng and oooh this looks so delish! Nakakagutom talaga tingnan. Perfect reminder for me to take a break muna dito sa computer at kumain. Haha Nomnom! 😀
Thanks Rose!
very healthy meal! I’m glad i found your blog ms. peach, you are really a good cook!
Thanks Len!
I’m pretty sure this isnt the first time Im hearing about Dinengdeng … it’s just that the image in my head is different compared to the photo of the Dinengdeng on this post. I like how it sounds so local and it reminds me of Bulanglang, talagang Pinoy na Pinoy. I have yet to try this.
I’m sure you’ll love this version Russ!
Have not heard of Dinengdeng before this, to be honest. Thanks for sharing.. 🙂 Looking forward to more recipes from u!
ps: Your layout looks good 🙂
Thank you Hui Zi.
This is a common meal at home with an Ilocano household. It’s really very healthy too.
Yes it is. Thanks Franc.
Can I just have a taste of the fish? lol looks delicious for someone who loves veggie dishes hehe. Oh and yes I love your blog’s layout. It looks clean and fresh 😀
Thanks Julianne!
A simple dish turned out really nice with your skills. I doubt I can turn veggies into magnificent dish.
I’m sure you can!
i have to admit im not very familiar with the cuisine in the Philippines but that fish look soo delicious! you take very nice pictures
Thanks!
This is so good. I’d probably want to have this for breakfast.
hmmm. I think this is more of a lunch dish.
Wow i miss ilokano cook