Not to be confused with the coconut that is often topping native delicacies like suman (biko) and ibos, among others, latik in this sense is a way of cooking kalabasa (squash).
Also known as linutik, basically, it is mashed kalabasa cooked in coconut milk and the recipe varies in different households. There are those who make latik as a soupy dish thus it can be likened to almost squash or pumpkin soup.
Most of the time, it has hantak (string beans), balunggay (malunggay or moringa) leaves and subak (pieces of meat) like shrimps or crabs - being a complete viand.
But this particular one, the latik is drier and is more like a paste. It still has bits of kalabasa and malunggay but the subak is flaked dried fish or pinakas.
But this particular one, the latik is drier and is more like a paste. It still has bits of kalabasa and malunggay but the subak is flaked dried fish or pinakas.
The meaty part of the pinakas is sliced into cubes and also becomes part of the seasoning as it provides the salty taste to the mix.
It's a fusion of flavours and texture - creaminess and saltiness plus smooth and a bite. The dish is also a burst of nutrition as squash and moringa are among two of the most nutritious vegetables around. >>> Detailed Recipe
It's a fusion of flavours and texture - creaminess and saltiness plus smooth and a bite. The dish is also a burst of nutrition as squash and moringa are among two of the most nutritious vegetables around. >>> Detailed Recipe