Ensaladang Pako Recipe – Do you know fiddlehead ferns? If you don’t, then you should know that it is young fern fronds. Otherwise known as fiddlehead greens, they are harvested for use as a vegetable. Before you embark on a culinary adventure with ferns, it’s important to know which ones are edible. Not all ferns are safe to eat, so don’t rush to turn your decorative ferns into a feast. While there are delicious fiddlehead ferns that can be enjoyed, some require cooking to eliminate toxins.
One edible variation of the fern commonly eaten raw in the Philippines is called “Pako.” Just remember to wash them thoroughly, or for extra precaution, soak them in cold or iced water for a few minutes before washing them. If you prefer to be absolutely sure, blanch the ferns in boiling water and then soak them in iced water.
When it comes to Ensaladan Pako, it is a simple recipe that usually includes fresh onions and tomatoes, adding a burst of flavor to the mild taste of the ferns. Not only is this dish tasty, but it also comes with a range of health benefits. Vegetable ferns are known for being rich in minerals like potassium and zinc. Plus, they boast antioxidants and serve as an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and various B vitamins.
Ensaladang Pako
Ingredients
- 2 cups fiddlehead fern young fronds
- 3 medium tomatoes sliced thinly
- 1 large onion – sliced thinly
- 2 salted egg cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 pinches fresh ground pepper add more to taste
Instructions
- Start by soaking the vegetable fern young fronds in cold water for a few minutes and give them a good rinse. If you’d like, you can also blanch them in boiling water beforehand.
- Next, grab a small bowl and dissolve some sugar in vinegar. Add some freshly ground pepper to give it an extra kick. Set this mixture aside for now.
- In a big bowl, combine the fern, tomatoes, and onions. Give everything a good mix, making sure all the flavors blend together nicely.
- Now, it’s time to pour in the vinegar mixture and toss everything until it’s well mixed. This will add a delicious tangy flavor to the dish.
- Finally, add the salted eggs to the bowl and give everything one last toss. This will add a unique touch to the dish.
Notes
Other Cuisines that Use Fiddlehead Fern
If you are interested in dishes featuring fiddlehead fern, you should know that there are several cuisines that uses the fern in a dish. In Indonesia, there is a dish called gulai pakis or gulai paku. It features tender fiddlehead ferns prepared by simmering them in a flavorful coconut sauce infused with the heat of chili pepper, the aromatic essence of galangal and lemongrass, the vibrant notes of turmeric leaves, and a blend of other spices. And this is just one among many cuisines that feature this fern. What makes the fern so great? They are sweet like asparagus, grassy and snappy like a great green bean, with a touch of broccoli stem.
Other Filipino Vegetable Dishes Aside from an Ensaladang Pako Recipe
You’ll find that there are many dishes in Filipino cuisine that uses vegetables and unorthodox ingredients like a fiddlehead fern. If you want to try other Filipino vegetable dishes, you should check out our Laing Recipe and Ginisang Munggo Recipe. You can also check out Filipino vegan recipes like Vegan Arroz Caldo and Vegan Tapa. There is no shortage of Filipino recipes that finds creative ways to work with vegetables and other ingredients.
If you want to explore other cuisines, then you may be interested in a Pakistani Mix Vegetable Curry Recipe.
