Though this post wouldn't do justice on how balingon (dilis) really makes a big impact in our gastronomy (the satisfying simplicity, fond memories, cravings, etc), I still would share them.
Seeing this pan full of balingon being dried under the sun, I immediately imagined a handful of these swimming in a plateful of tomatoes.
I just microwaved these before mixing the tomatoes. But still nothing beats frying them and making a calo-calo (fried rice) in the used oil (adding soy sauce, seasoning, etc)
Now you know, why I had to use the microwave oven ...