The vast water resources in the province of Batangas serve as one of the sources of income for the Batangueños. The marine species found in lakes and bays of Batangas assure profit and abundant economy for the locality. Because it is in the waters of the province that some of the locals make a living from, they know they have to protect the
marine biodiversity and let no harm come near the species living underneath.
Maliputo is one rare fish found only in Taal Lake. Several recipes can be made with this fish, one of which is the plain and simple charcoal-broiled with kalamansi. But the most famous maliputo recipe is sinigang, with different kinds of vegetables, flavored with
unripe tamarind to achieve the ‘kick’ of a sourly taste.
Here is the recipe of sinigang na maliputo.
Ingredients
1 whole Maliputo, 350 grams
1 cup fresh tamarind
2 medium size tomato, quartered
2 medium size onions, quartered
1 cup sliced radish
1 cup string beans
5 okra, sliced
1 bundle kangkong
4 pieces siling haba
Salt and pepper
Procedure
1. Score both sides of the maliputo. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Boil 8-10 cups of water in large pot. Add onion, tomato and tamarind fruit. Simmer.
3. Add the maliputo fish.
4. Add vegetables and siling haba except kangkong. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Let the ingredients simmer until half-cooked.
6. Bring the stock to a boil and add the kangkong. Serve with fish sauce.
Because of the growing contribution of the Maliputo fish in the town of San Nicolas, Batangas, the residents celebrate the “Maliputo Festival” annually on August 9. Street dancing and other activities are being held in the festival to showcase and promote maliputo, the pride of their town and their primary source of income.
Sources:
www.batangas-philippines.com
www.abs-cbnnews.com
www.gmapinoytv.com.ph
Photo: phtraveldes.blogspot.com