Dinuguan : Pork Blood Stew from the Philippines

Dinuguan or also known as chocolate meat is a savory dish made with diced pork, pork blood, and spices. Hearty and boldly-flavored, this classic Filipino pork stew is delicious as a main meal with steamed rice or as a midday snack with puto.

Dinuguan is the Filipino version of blood stew. Pork slices are sautéed in onion and garlic and cooked with pork blood. Sometimes, pork innards such as the small and large intestines along with other internal parts of the pig are added.

Dinuguan comes from the root word dugo, or blood. This dish is so named because it is a stew made with the blood of a freshly-slaughtered pig. Traditionally cooked using a mixture of pork cheeks, lungs and intestines, this version — made with pork belly, cheeks and liver — should make the not-too-adventurous less squeamish.

The blood of freshly-slaughtered pig is available in local wet markets. The blood is usually kept in a cooler so, when sold, there are often solid masses. That doesn’t mean that the blood isn’t fresh. It is natural for blood to coagulate when it cools. In Antipolo, the butcher gives it for free with the purchase of meat.

Pork Dinuguan is a type of stew native to the Philippines. It is peculiar when compared to other types of stews because of the use of pork blood as the main ingredient

Heat oil in a pan. Sauté garlic and onion.
Once the onion softens, add pork. Continue to sauté for 5 minutes or until light brown.
Pour water. Let boil.
Add pork cube. Cook in low heat until the meat tenderizes.
Add pork blood. Stir. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes while stirring.
Pour vinegar and add sugar and long green pepper. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with puto.