Pochero

Delight in the comforting flavors of Filipino cuisine with this hearty Pochero recipe, a savory pork belly stew brimming with vibrant vegetables and a hint of sweetness from tender saba bananas. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this dish features a medley of carrots, potatoes, green beans, and chickpeas, creating a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. Finished with fresh bok choy and seasoned to perfection with optional fish sauce, this one-pot wonder is a true family favorite. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, Pochero is an irresistible example of Filipino comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a cozy, flavor-packed meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this traditional recipe is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 kilogram pork belly
• 4 pieces ripe saba bananas
• 2 large potatoes
• 2 medium carrots
• 150 grams green beans
• 2 bunches bok choy (or pechay)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chickpeas (garbanzos), canned
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the ingredients: Peel and slice the saba bananas and potatoes into chunks. Cut the carrots into thick rounds. Trim the green beans and cut to 3-inch pieces. Mince the garlic and chop the onion. Wash and separate the bok choy leaves.

Step 2

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 3

Add the pork belly pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4

Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well to coat the pork. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5

Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30–40 minutes or until the pork is tender.

Step 6

Once the pork is tender, add the potatoes, carrots, and saba bananas to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 7

Stir in the green beans and chickpeas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8

Season the stew with fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 9

Add the bok choy last and let it cook for 2–3 minutes, just until wilted.

Step 10

Serve the Pochero hot with steamed rice. Enjoy this flavorful Filipino stew!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4156.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6958.2

Total Fat 571.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 196.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 720mg	0%
Sodium 7875.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 315.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 52.3g	0%
Total Sugars 76.9g
Protein 150.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 930.4mg	0%
Iron 24.0mg	0%
Potassium 8091.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 73.4%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 18.0%