Binignit

Ah, Binignit; a beloved dish that has been adored by Filipinos and food aficionados all over the world. This stew, composed of glutinous rice and coconut milk, is delightfully warm and nourishing, expressing all the love and joy that goes into its creation.

Binignit


The history of this dish is an interesting one. Legend has it that Binignit was born during the Spanish colonization in the Philippines. The Filipinos were not allowed to eat meat or dairy under Spanish rule; so they took the items they had access to, such as tubers and grains, to create a filling and flavorful meal. The end result? A tasty blend of both sweet and savory ingredients, later called Binignit.

Though many versions of Binignit exist - such as the Visayan version, which usually includes sweet potatoes, bananas, root crops, ube (purple yam), jackfruit, saba (cooking banana), and langka (jackfruit) - the most popular variation is found in Ilocos. Here, locals add munggo (mung beans) and saba, as well as slices of pork and chorizo (sausages).

What really sets Binignit apart from other similar dishes is the use of coconut milk. This ingredient adds a velvety texture to the mix that you simply will not get in other recipes. The use of toasted coconut adds a unique flavor to the sweetness of the dish, making it a truly delightful experience.

Whether you're looking for a snack or a full-fledged meal, Binignit is sure to satisfy. While it's often served as part of a fiesta feast, this humble dish can be served as a standalone meal - with its texture and flavor, it'll surely fill you up and make your taste buds happy!

If you're looking for a comforting and enjoyable dish, then you definitely won't regret giving Binignit a try. Give it a go and you'll see why this dish has been beloved for centuries!

Binignit recipes

Amazing Binignit recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Binignit

The origins of the dish binignit are a rather curious and contested affair. This Filipino staple, which consists of a mixture of boiled root crops and fruits, finds itself steeped in both history and legend. With its sweet flavor, hearty texture, and comfort-food appeal, it's easy to see why binignit has become a mainstay in the Filipino culinary lexicon.

The first known reference of this dish was in the early 1700s, when Spanish colonial records noted it as a local specialty. Over the years, the recipe for binignit has evolved considerably, particularly with the addition of various natural ingredients found in the far-reaching barangays of the Philippines.

There have been various theories as to why this dish came to be—one school of thought claims that it was a combination of the Malay word "bihon," meaning beans, and "ginintuang," which translates to simmering or boiling. It is thus believed that binignit was originally seen as a type of porridge, where ingredients like fruits, cassava, root vegetables, sweet potatoes, taro, and sago were boiled and stewed until they formed a hearty texture.

Other theories suggest that the name "binignit" may have derived from the term "bingningit," an expression said to have come from the Visayan people, who referred to food that was stirred in the cooking pot. What makes this dish stand out among the many Filipino specialties is its use of locally-sourced produce. Unlike other dishes that rely heavily on imported ingredients, binignit can be made with indigenous ingredients found in the rural areas of the Philippines.

In short, binignit is a one-pot wonder, a unique blend of indigenous ingredients and historical obscurity. No matter its true origin, its place among the Filipino favorites is firmly established and will likely remain for decades to come.

FAQs about Binignit

Is bilo-bilo and binignit the same?

No, bilo-bilo and binignit are not the same. Bilo-bilo is a type of Filipino sweet snack made of glutinous rice balls cooked in a sweet syrup. Binignit is a Philippine dessert soup made with taro root, saba bananas, and sweet potato.


What is binignit in Ilocano?

Binignit is a traditional dish from the Ilocano region of the Philippines, usually made of glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sweetened, boiled root vegetables such as taro and sweet potato.


What is binignit in ilonggo?

Binignit is a popular Ilonggo dish made of glutinous rice, taro, grated coconut, sugar, and some other ingredients like spices and fruit. It is usually served as a dessert or snack.


Why do we use binignit in Holy Week?

Binignit is a Filipino dessert that typically consists of glutinous rice, sweet potatoes, mung beans, saba bananas, and coconut milk. It is commonly associated with Holy Week as it is served during Easter Sunday. The dish is symbolic of Jesus' resurrection and the hope that comes with it. The combination of different ingredients also serves to represent unity among family and friends.


Types of Binignit

The deliciously warm and nutty aroma of binignit greets the nose as it is cooking on the stove. Binignit is an iconic Filipino dish with a long history, passed down through generations and varying widely in regional ingredients and preparation styles. Popular in Visaya, this thick stew or porridge-like dish can be made with a variety of sweet and savoury ingredients that generate complex flavors and textures.

Each type of binignit has its own unique character, from the creamy sweetness of coconut milk to the hearty umami of pork leg and fish. The most common type of binignit is made with root vegetables such as taro and sweet potatoes, combined with meat and fish. It's usually enriched with coconut milk to add a creamy smoothness and a sweetness that complements the other ingredients.

For those looking for a milder flavor, there is the Visayan version of binignit, which often uses only vegetables and leaves out the meat and fish. This version is usually less thick than the others, but still has a substantial texture. One of the most popular dishes made using this refined binignit recipe is bibingka, which is typically paired with salted eggs.

Meanwhile, some regions in the Philippines enjoy making binignit without coconut milk. This allows the natural flavors of the root vegetables and fish to shine through, creating a more savory dish that is best enjoyed with a bowl of hot white rice.

Many liken the taste of binignit to that of corn porridge. In fact, one type of binignit is made entirely with boiled corn kernels and served with sugar, salt, and grated coconut. This type of binignit has a more robust texture and is known for being more filling.

No matter what type of binignit you have, each spoonful is sure to delight and transport you to the unique flavors of the Filipino kitchen. So the next time you're looking for something comforting and hearty, don't forget to give binignit a try!