Paksiw Na Pata

Pork leg (including the knuckle) is used in this favorite sweet-sour recipe.

• 1 large pork leg (pata), sliced
• 2 cups vinegar
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1 head garlic, minced
• 1 piece laurel leaf
• 12 whole peppercorns
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup dried banana blossom (actually dried lily buds)
• sprigs of dried oregano
• salt to taste
• MSG or vetsin (optional)

PROCEDURE :
1. Place the pork leg pieces in a casserole together with the vinegar, water, garlic, peppercorns, laurel and oregano.

2. Place casserole over medium heat and simmer for 1 hour or until tender. (Alternatively, you can also pressure cook for 15 minutes)

3. Add the soy sauce, sugar and banana flower and continue simmering until the sweet-sour broth thickens.

4. Add salt and MSG to taste, if desired.

5. Serve hot with rice.