Sometime when I was in 2nd year college, papa stayed at home for more than a year (I think). His work contract abroad had expired, and while waiting for new employment prospects, he spent quality time with us his children, and with our kitchen. I remember during summer of that year, when he'd cook pansit lucban, just like that, I don't feel like eating rice and ulam anymore. His pansit is meal enough.
There is another fond memory I have of him during my college days --- I was sick, down with the flu. I was home then for the weekend. It was the first time I ever got sick without mama, and papa instead was at home to take care of me. Mama has her way with me when I'm sick, which is strict yet nurturing. Papa's style though is different. I remember him waking me up to enjoy a hot cup of tea with choco butternut doughnut from Dunkin Donuts. I couldn't eat anything, but somehow, he knew that chocolate doughnuts would do the trick. It was the first time I was bribed with doughnuts in exchange of getting up to eat. It worked. It was very heartwarming. Sometimes when I get sick now, I'd tell my husband to get me Papa's tea-doughnut cure. It is my new favorite elixir.
I miss my papa. It's nearly a decade now since he left for work in the US.
You'll need:
lechon kawali about 1/8 kilo
Lucban noodles
garlic
onions
carrots
pechay
patis
toyo
salt
pepper
How to:
- Deep fry your salted chopped liempo to make lechon kawali, set aside
- separate the meat from the crunchy pork fat and skin (chicharon)
- in a hot pan, saute garlic and onions
- add the separated meat from the lechon kawali
- drizzle about half a glob each of toyo and patis
- add water, salt and pepper, bring to a boil, reduce heat
- add noodles, cook covered for about 5 minutes
- add chopped carrots, mix everything up
- add chopped pechay, cook covered for two minutes
- turn off the heat, top with the separated chicharon from the lechon kawali
Serve.
Pansit Lucban is more popularly known as the habhab.
To enjoy a true tagalog experience, eat this the "habhab" way, meaning without utensils. Set your pansit on a banana leaf and sprinkle it with a little vinegar, then literally dig in with your mouth.
Kain na!
Happy Father's Day papa! We wish we had enjoyed this pansit with you. You may be far from us, but I hope through this entry, you feel our love and longing for you. We love you so much!
Who says you have to spend for a great meal? this dish costs about P180.00 all in. It can feed 4 people for merienda. So get your cooking gear out, and start the fire.
Your hot cook,
Hahan
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