The Filipino-Cumbrians we’ve had the privilege of meeting over this past year have opened up our eyes to so much fun! We’ve been invited along to a Filipino fancy dress Christmas party and an astounding buffet called a “boodle fight”. The hosts busily stir-fried and barbequed a feast which they then presented beautifully on banana leaves - we then just tucked in with our fingers. It was an incredible experience to say the least. See the pictures below:
Then as part of the Community Integration Project’s International Film Club at Harraby Community Theatre, we supported the Filipino community in hosting a film event. They chose a comedy drama which featured famous Filipino actors and portrayed the importance of family in the Filipino culture. There was plenty of laughter in the audience and even some tears - it was a privilege to learn about the culture and humour in this way. There was of course incredible food as well.
Finally, as part of the Community Integration Project’s Community Kitchen at Petteril Bank Community Centre, we supported the Filipino community in hosting a Filipino cooking demonstration. Unfortunately we didn’t replicate the amazing “boodle fight” but they did teach people from the local community how to make a simple (yet delicious) vegetable stir-fry. Find the recipe below. From what we’ve seen, the Filipino community bring so much fun, joy and laughter wherever they go.We hope to work alongside them again in the future.
"Pansit" or Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe (add meat or fish if you like)
Ingredients:
Onions
Garlic
Vegetable Oil
½ cup of water
Vegetable stock cubes
Heart cabbage
Broccoli
Green beans
Carrots
Any other seasonal vegetables
Salt & pepper
Oyster sauce (optional)
Soy sauce (optional)
Sesame oil (optional)
Noodles (optional)
- Chop the onions and garlic and add to a wok/pan on a high heat with some oil.
- Add ½ a cup of water to the pan. When it starts boiling, add the stock cubes to the water.
- Chop the rest of the vegetables and fry them in the pan
- Add salt and pepper to taste and some oyster sauce (optional)
The vegetables can be served on their own. However, if you would like to add noodles, follow these instructions:
- Remove the cooked vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Using the same pan, add stock or just water and bring to the boil.
- Once boiling, add the noodles according to the packet instructions.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce and salt and pepper to taste (optional).
- When the noodles have absorbed all the water/stock, place the cooked vegetables back in the pan and drizzle some sesame oil over the top.
Enjoy!