Introduction

Fresh, locally sourced ingredients aren’t just good for the environment and local farmers—they’re the secret to tastier, healthier meals. At Bagsakan Online Store, we provide farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meats to inspire your next culinary creation.

In this blog, we’re sharing five easy and delicious recipes you can try at home using fresh ingredients straight from Filipino farms and fishing communities.

1. Pinakbet (Vegetable Stew)

A beloved Filipino dish, Pinakbet highlights the rich flavors of fresh vegetables like eggplant, squash, and okra.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup squash, cubed
• 1 cup eggplant, sliced
• 1 cup string beans, chopped
• 1 cup okra
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp bagoong (fermented shrimp paste)

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic, onion, and tomatoes in a pan.
2. Add squash and cook until slightly tender.
3. Mix in eggplant, string beans, and okra.
4. Add bagoong and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve warm with steamed rice.

Why Farm-Fresh Matters: Locally sourced vegetables retain their nutrients and vibrant flavors, making Pinakbet extra satisfying.

2. Grilled Bangus (Milkfish)

Grilled Bangus, or Inihaw na Bangus, is a classic Filipino dish perfect for showcasing fresh, sustainably sourced seafood.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole bangus (milkfish), cleaned and gutted
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp calamansi juice
• Banana leaves or aluminum foil for wrapping

Instructions:

1. Stuff the bangus with tomatoes and onions.
2. Drizzle with soy sauce and calamansi juice.
3. Wrap the fish in banana leaves or foil. Grill over medium heat for 15–20 minutes on each side.
4. Serve with dipping sauce (soy sauce with chili and calamansi).

Why Farm-Fresh Matters: A fresh bangus delivers the perfect balance of natural sweetness and umami flavor.

3. Sinigang na Baboy (Pork Sour Soup)

Sinigang is a comforting Filipino soup known for its tangy tamarind flavor and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 500g pork belly or ribs
• 1 cup radish, sliced
• 1 cup kangkong (water spinach)
• 1 cup sitaw (string beans), chopped
• 2 tomatoes, quartered
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups tamarind soup mix or fresh tamarind
• 6 cups water

Instructions:

1. Boil pork in water until tender. Remove any scum that forms.
2. Add onion, tomatoes, and tamarind. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Toss in radish and sitaw. Cook until tender.
4. Add kangkong and turn off the heat. Serve hot.

Why Farm-Fresh Matters: Fresh pork and vegetables enhance the rich, savory tang of this iconic dish.

4. Mango and Malunggay Smoothie

This smoothie is a refreshing, nutritious drink made with fresh Philippine mangoes and malunggay (moringa) leaves.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup malunggay leaves
• 1 cup coconut water or fresh milk
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Serve chilled for a healthy boost.

Why Farm-Fresh Matters: Locally grown mangoes provide a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with nutrient-rich malunggay.

5. Chicken Adobo

Adobo, a quintessential Filipino dish, is best made with farm-fresh chicken for a richer, heartier flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp black peppercorns

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes.
2. Sauté onion and marinated chicken in a pan.
3. Add vinegar, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Simmer until chicken is tender.
4. Serve with steamed rice.

Why Farm-Fresh Matters: Using fresh, locally sourced chicken ensures tender, juicy meat that soaks up the adobo sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

Cooking with farm-fresh ingredients isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s also a way to support local farmers and sustainable food practices. By sourcing your ingredients from Bagsakan Online Store, you’re making a positive impact on your health, your meals, and the livelihoods of Filipino farmers.

Ready to Cook?
Shop fresh produce, seafood, and meats at Bagsakan Online Store.

Related Reads:

• How Buying Local Supports Filipino Farmers
• Sustainable Seafood: Why It Matters