Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.

- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.

- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.

- Let pork belly cool completely before slicing to get clean, neat portions.

Cooking Tips

Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern before cooking — this helps render the fat evenly and creates a crisper texture. Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu. Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato Soup

Metro Manila, International

Made with cooked ham, potatoes, celery and medium onion — a hearty Filipino dish that's simple to cook and satisfying to share.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Total: 45 min Medium Serves 19

Instructions

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a cooking pot.
  2. When the butter is hot, add ham. Cook for 1 minute.
  3. Put-in potato, onion, and celery. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Pour-in chicken broth. Let boil. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan.
  6. Gradually whisk-in flour. Stir until the mixture thickens.
  7. Slowly pour milk while continuously stirring. Cook (while stirring) until the texture becomes thick. Set aside.
  8. Pour the milk and flour mixture on the cooking pot where the ham and potatoes are. Add salt and pepper. Stir and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
  9. Transfer to a bowl and garnish with spring onion.
  10. Serve.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.
- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.
- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.
- Let pork belly cool completely before slicing to get clean, neat portions.

Cooking Tips

Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern before cooking — this helps render the fat evenly and creates a crisper texture.
Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.

Substitutions

Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu.
Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
M

Chef Jun Mercado

Seafood, Grilling & Filipino Fusion

Chef Jun Mercado is a contributor to the UlamDaily editorial team. Trained at the Center for Culinary Arts in Manila, he spent a decade working in resort kitchens across Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay before joining our team to share seafood, grilling, and Filipino fusion recipes.

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