Sinigang. "Chicken soup for the pinoy's soul."

In case you didn't know, I'm half Filipina, and proud of it! It's definitely my better half for many reasons. One big reason is my love for food that was passed down from my mom at a very early age. Since that's been established, I decided to write about something I made for myself today, Sinigang (Sin-ah-gung). Americans have chicken soup, Vietnamese have Pho, Russians have Borsch, Mexicans have Menudo, Greeks have Avegolemono, French have Bouillabaisse and Filipinos have Sinigang.

Although sinigang is not as popularized by people in the United States, it's my favorite comfort soup. It's great for fall, winter, rainy days and Sundays. It's also great for common colds and even hangovers. It's just a fabulous soup all around! For those unlucky people who haven't been fortunate enough to taste this delicious soup, my heart truly goes out to you.

It's a soup that is as truly unique as the people that make it. Sinigang is savory, tart and made from beef, shrimp broth, or plain water. The unique tart flavoring comes from tamarind paste or powder. You can make it with pork, salmon, shrimp, beef or omit meat all together. Any vegetable is terrific with this soup.

My mom used to make her Sinigang with beef, chinese cabbage, broccoli, baby bok choy, carrots, potatoes, baby radishes and cayote. I still think she makes the BEST Sinigang. (That is a personal and professional opinion.) I remember my brother and I coming home from school and we could smell it right when we walked in the door. We would say,"Yeah! Mom made Sina-gunk!" We just absolutely loved it growing up and, to this very day, it brings back so many memories. I always use to burn my tongue it right off the stove because it was too good to resist.

I also like the simple version of daikon, spinach and large prawns too. It's usually the first thing to disappear at any family gathering. The next food to vanish would be the fried lumpia! There are dozens of ways to make this Filipino classic. Try making this and give your tired chicken soup recipe a break!