Bicol Express

Ingredients:

1/2 kg elongated green chilies, julienned
(you can use a slightly milder substitute, try the serrano or jabanero)

200 g shrimp paste (The Thai version is not a substitute as it is very pungent and totally overpowering. Filipino shrimp)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 whole onion, chopped
1/2 kg pork, cut into tiny pieces
1/2 kg plum tomato, chopped
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup thick coconut milk (the light version can be pretty bland)

How to Cook:

• In a pan or a wok, sauté garlic, onion, and tomatoes in oil.
• When onion is slightly cooked, add pork.
• Fry the mixture for 2 minutes until pork turned a little brown, and then add 1/2 cup of water.
• Boil until water is almost gone and pork is completely cooked. Then add shrimp paste. 5 Add chilies.
• Pour in the coconut milk, keep stirring. Simmer until mixture is dry. 7 Season with salt and pepper and serve hot with rice