Lechon kawali

Lechon Kawali is a popular Filipino dish made from pork belly simmered until tender and then deep-fried until golden and crisp. The name "lechon kawali" translates to "pan-roasted pig" in English, with "lechon" referring to a whole roasted pig and "kawali" referring to the pan used for cooking.

History

The exact origins of lechon kawali are unclear, but it is believed to have been influenced by Spanish and Chinese cooking techniques brought to the Philippines during the colonial period. The dish is similar to the Spanish dish cochinillo, a whole roasted piglet, and the Chinese dish siu yuk, crispy pork belly.

Preparation

The preparation of lechon kawali involves several steps. First, a piece of pork belly is simmered in water with seasonings such as garlic, bay leaves, and soy sauce until it is tender. The pork is then cooled and dried before being deep-fried in a kawali, a type of wok. The result is a piece of pork with a crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat.

Serving

Lechon kawali is typically served with a side of lechon sauce, a sweet and tangy sauce made from liver, breadcrumbs, vinegar, and sugar. It may also be served with a side of atsara, a pickled papaya relish. The dish is often served at celebrations and special occasions in the Philippines.

Variations

There are several variations of lechon kawali in the Philippines. In the Visayas region, the dish is often cooked with lemongrass, onions, and pepper. In the Ilocos region, the dish is known as bagnet and is typically served with a side of kamatis, bagoong, and lasuna.

See also

• Cuisine of the Philippines
• Lechon
• Bagnet
• Filipino cuisine