When I told my friends that I have started eating meat again I got a range of different reactions. A friend asked me won't I become "addicted to meat" as if I had just been released from prison and now having to catch up on all carnal pleasures. Other friends were more accepting and would have been more excited if I had gotten a new hair cut.
One of my best friends in Germany only commented: "Once a Filipina, always a Filpina." I wanted to object but then realised that that he was on to something. Filipinos loooove meat and the Filipino cuisine is very Paleo compatible.
Animal protein such as beef, pork, goat and seafood is a pretty much a constant physical condition for a Filipino meal. If there wasn't any meat or seafood it was not ulam, not the main component of a meal. It would just be a side dish almost like rice. I remember sometime in the 90's being at a Filipino birthday party and a suckling pig was delivered. By that time I was probably the only Vegetarian in the entire barrio.
One of my best friends in Germany only commented: "Once a Filipina, always a Filpina." I wanted to object but then realised that that he was on to something. Filipinos loooove meat and the Filipino cuisine is very Paleo compatible.
Animal protein such as beef, pork, goat and seafood is a pretty much a constant physical condition for a Filipino meal. If there wasn't any meat or seafood it was not ulam, not the main component of a meal. It would just be a side dish almost like rice. I remember sometime in the 90's being at a Filipino birthday party and a suckling pig was delivered. By that time I was probably the only Vegetarian in the entire barrio.
An uncle standing beside me looked proudly at the suckling pig being carried past us and said: "Ain't it a beauty? No worries, we'll get to eat that soon." I turned towards him and said: "I don't eat meat, uncle." I could as well have said that I liked playing pool with dogs I could have not illicit a more flabbergasted look. He pat down his pockets, got out a pack of Marlboro's and pulled out a cancer stick. "Are you sure you are Filipino?" pointing the unlit cigarette at me like an FBI agent on a mission. I did not bother to start a discussion, put on my emo face and looked for a vegetarian bowl of rice.
Now that I'm literally back to my Filipino roots it's time to post my Paleo version of a the first Filipino comfort dish I vegetarianized. We'll start with the ever so simple and beautiful tortang talong aka aubergine omelette. And we'll be doing it puppy style: Easy, quick and absolutely edible.
Now that I'm literally back to my Filipino roots it's time to post my Paleo version of a the first Filipino comfort dish I vegetarianized. We'll start with the ever so simple and beautiful tortang talong aka aubergine omelette. And we'll be doing it puppy style: Easy, quick and absolutely edible.
Paleo Tortang Talong (Aubergine Omelette)
Prep time:Cooking time:
Total Time:
Serving: Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
1 long biggish aubergine (should still fit in a frying pan)
120 g NZ Lamb boneless sliced shoulder roll (from Taste)
2 tbs Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
2 Omega 3 Eggs (from Taste)
2 Tbs Coconut Milk
Seasoning: pepper, salt, garlic powder, hot sauce
Wash aubergine. Pierce entire aubergine surface with a fork
Once pierced, place on plate, put into microwave. Cook on high (900 W) for 3-4 minutes depending on microwave. Colour will change to violet-brownish and aubergine should look slightly shrivelled.
Run through aubergine with fork. Careful that you don't run the fork too deeply otherwise aubergine might break apart.
Carefully press aubergine with fork into a fan shape. Season with salt and garlic powder. Set aside.
Cut the lamb shoulder slices in smaller slices. Easiest if the meat is still slightly frozen. Minced meat can also be used here but I prefer the consistency of the thin slices when stir fried.
Place in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and hot sauce.
Place in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and hot sauce.
Heat coconut oil in frying pan and stir fry meat until evenly brown. Place meat in bowl. Try to keep most meat juice and oil in the pan.
Beat egss in bowl. Add coconut milk (optional). Season with with salt.
Reduce heat to medium low and place aubergine fan carefully in still hot pan. Pour eggs over aubergine.
Reduce heat to medium low and place aubergine fan carefully in still hot pan. Pour eggs over aubergine.
Add the meat on top of the aubergine while eggs are still liquid.
Once bubbles form on omelette surface, scoop up each side of the omelette and fold it over the meat. Give it a moment to settle
Carefully lift the aubergine by its stem. Push the spatula underneath and flip the aubergine omelette.
Once you think it's ready, place a large plate over pan and flip pan onto plate. The aubergine should have absorbed all the oil and juices but still be careful when flipping.
Tadaaa. Finito. Add some veggie as sides and enjoy.
