Valenciana: An Ilonggo Favorite "Occasional" Dish

A complete "go, grow and glow" dish because it has the carbohydrates, protein and vitamins and minerals in just one spoonful, Valenciana is also an "occasional dish". Found in almost all occasions like fiesta, birthdays, reunions and others, Ilonggos really love valenciana because most if not all have grown accustomed of having it in special gatherings at home.  And it can come in its simplest form with just malagkit rice, pork, chorizo and bell peppers to some fancy with additions like raisins, peas, chicken, hard-boiled egg (just garnish though), etc.

Here's the recipe for Valenciana

Ingredients

• 3 cups Glutinous Rice (malagkit), washed
• 2 cups Pork, sliced
• 1 cup Pork, Beef or Chicken  Liver, sliced
• 2-3 pieces Chinese sausage, sliced
• 2-3 large red bell peppers, sliced lengthwise
• 1 cup Green Peas
• 3 small boxes Raisins
• 2 pcs.Onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• salt and ground pepper to taste 
• 2 pcs. pork/chicken bouillon/broth cubes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder 
• 4 pcs. hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced into quarters
• Spring onions
• Oil
• Water

How to make Valenciana

1. In a wok, cook pork slices in its own oil then saute-in garlic and onions.
2. Add liver, Chinese sausage, sliced red bell pepper, green peas and raisins. 
3. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, set aside.
4. In a rice cooker or pot, place rice then add 2 adn 1/2 cups water (or depending on the variety of rice you have)
5. Add turmeric powder and 2 broth cubes dissolved in 1/2 cup water. Mix well since this will give the rice the meat flavor and distinct yellowish color
6. Mix in sauteed ingredients (meat and veggies)
7. Cook covered with banana leaves (if available) 
8. Mix the concoction once in a while to have even distribution of the ingredients. Make some final flavor adjustments too.
9. Garnish with sliced boiled eggs when serving

There are many ways of making Valenciana. Others add the sauteed meat and veggies when the rice is half cooked. Other recipes adds soda like Mirinda or Sprite to make it sweeter. The recipes are just guides since you can always tweak it to add (or subtract ingredients or their quantities.) Others add hotdogs, which is a personal no-no for me. But hey, tastes differs for each person. Enjoy!  

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