I have been a traveller in almost 3 years now and my favourite destinations are the mountainous regions of Lanao del Norte in Mindanao where natives mixed with Muslim races are living. One thing that fascinates me the most in those areas are not the beautiful views and good environments, in which anions are abundant and fresh mineral waters are everywhere, but the delicious dishes and delicacies of Muslim people. Yes! Muslims are good chefs with spicy twist in every recipe. So yummy! So, let’s forget about the war and conflicts for a while and taste the common dishes of Muslims in Mindanao.
The Biyaring is very common in Maranao tables and easily be prepared. One time when I went in the town of Marawi, I saw raw small shrimps and they said it is the main component of Biyaring. I seldom ate fresh foods but when Biyaring was served it is very tempting. Biyaring is served fresh and sometimes the shrimps are alive. Biyaring is also easy to prepare. Just grind chilli and ginger, mixed the washed small shrimps and add lemon and shredded papaya leaves. Put small amount of salt according to taste and enjoy. Also best to serve when paired with fried fish.
The Beef Randang is always prepared when there is a special occasion. It is great because of the ingredients used. It is seasoned with grind coconut, which is cooked in low fire until it becomes brownish, mixed with grinded onion bulb and leaves. Bell pepper also is added with an optional amount of potato. Badly, I didn’t able to learn how to cook it. But I guarantee every first timer will surely love the hot and spicy beef Randang of Marawi. Just a hint on how to prepare it, firstly the beef is sauté in onion, garlic, and the splint. Put the grinded coconut called Tiyolo, Bell pepper, and the bay leaves. Cook the meat for about 45 minutes or up until it is soft. After that, add potato and coconut milk. Lastly, put salt and black pepper according to taste. Serve it while it is hot.
When in the mountains, I observed that people don’t have the quality of life compared to the city or towns. But the Muslim people learned how to make every ordinary food extraordinarily, especially when visitors are in. Phosan is one of those common foods that are reserved for the guests. It is just an ordinary small fishes which is preserved in too much salt. It is like Bagoong in Manila which is sold for 250Php in every glass. But Phosan can be found only in Muslim areas of Lanao. My friend told me that there is a special recipe only the Muslims knew it that makes it delicious. In his version, he just sauté the fishes in onions and tomatoes, after the onion became brownish in colour he added the splint or grinded coconut. Add veggies like fresh Pechay and other ingredients. It is also good as an appetizer.
Find your seats and enjoy your meal.
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