Kinilnat facts for kids
Kinilnat made of Sesbania grandiflora flowers and tomatoes.
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| Alternative names | Ensalada |
|---|---|
| Type | Salad |
| Place of origin | Philippines |
| Main ingredients | Vegetables (any of sweet potato, bitter melon, string bean shoots and fruits, horseradish tree leaves and blossoms, taro, cabbage, West-Indian pea blossoms, winged beans, fern shoots) |
Kinilnat (say "kee-NEEL-nat") is a yummy salad from the Philippines. It's especially popular with the Ilocano people, who live in the northern part of Luzon island. Sometimes, people also call it ensalada, which is the Spanish word for "salad."
This dish is a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables. It's known for being simple, healthy, and full of flavor.
What is Kinilnat?
Kinilnat is a type of salad where different vegetables are lightly cooked and then mixed with a special dressing. It's a favorite side dish or even a light meal in many Filipino homes.
Main Ingredients
Kinilnat can be made with many kinds of vegetables. People often use what's fresh and available. Some popular choices include:
- Shoots and leaves from sweet potato plants
- Shoots and fruits of bitter melon
- Shoots and fruits of string beans
- Leaves and blossoms from the horseradish tree
- Taro
- Cabbage
- Blossoms from the West-Indian pea
- Winged beans
- Shoots of ferns
- Other vegetables like eggplant
How Kinilnat is Made
Making Kinilnat is quite simple. First, the chosen vegetables are usually blanched. This means they are quickly dipped in hot water for a short time. This helps them stay a bit crunchy but also makes them easier to eat. After blanching, the vegetables are drained well.
The dressing is what gives Kinilnat its unique taste. It's often made with:
- Bagoong: This is a salty, fermented fish or shrimp paste. It's a very common ingredient in Filipino cooking.
- Patis: This is another salty sauce made from fermented fish.
- Souring agents: Things like calamansi (a small citrus fruit, similar to a lime) or cherry tomatoes are added for a tangy flavor.
- Freshly ground ginger: This adds a warm, spicy kick to the salad.
All these ingredients are mixed together with the blanched vegetables. The result is a refreshing and flavorful salad that's a staple in Ilocano cuisine.
