Introducing Laswa nga Utan – a traditional vegetable stew from Western Visayas, Philippines.

What’s up, ASEAN Hive Community? How are you Hivers? Anyone hungry?

Today, let me tell you all about “laswa nga utan” (vegetable stew).
To some, it might look like just a bowl of green-leafy vegetables — simple, nothing special. But to me? It’s a warm hug from home, a spoonful of love, and a taste of my humble beginnings.

Back in my elementary and high school days, my lola (grandma) and nanay (mom) used to say, “Eat your veggies, apo/anak (granddaughter, my child)! This has lots of vitamins and minerals. You’ll grow up strong and healthy!” And let me tell you… they were right!

We used to believe that every bite was packed with all the magical powers we need to perform better in school and stay active. Could we have been wrong all along? (laughing emoji) The dish is indeed plain and simple, but extraordinary in ways that matter.

Now, allow me to show you how it is being prepared.
We need all sorts of greens, namely: tugabang (water spinach), alugbati (malabar spinach), balunggay (moringa leaves), okra (ladies finger), balatong (mung beans), and patola (sponge gourd). Don’t forget the odd one out — squash — as it is the only yellow one in the group. Better yet, you can opt to add some ground pork or shrimp to make it more savory and flavorful. (Since I'm a pescetarian, I prefer shrimp).

Once you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to show off your cooking skills ! Start by boiling some water in your cooking pot. Drop in a few slices of juicy tomatoes to kick things off, then it’s time for the veggies to make their grand entrance, one by one.

Now remember, we start with the veggie that takes its sweet time. Can you guess which one?

Yes, kalabasa (squash)! Because it wants to be with fire longer than the rest of the veggie gang. Once it's softened up, let okra (ladies finger) come second. Balatong (mung beans) will join the party next. After that, toss in the shrimps for that savory seafood twist. Finally, it’s a veggie free-for-all. Just toss in the rest like you don’t care what others may say. It’s your dish, baby! Own it!

Of course, we don’t want it to be dull and bland, so it’s time to sprinkle in some salt and your favorite spices to bring everything to life, then let it all simmer until the flavors come together in perfect harmony. Once cooked, pour it into a bowl and—voila! Your laswa nga utan is ready to warm hearts and fill bellies.

What are you waiting for? Time to dig in!

P.S. Let me know in the comment section what special dish reminds you of home and your childhood? I’ll make sure to read it.
Thank you for reading! Bye for now!

Photos were taken using oppo 17k and Samsung Galaxy A26, edited in Sweet Camera Collage and Canva.