Pancit Canton

Pancit is a dish that is always present in Filipino birthday celebrations. In Philippine culture, pancit symbolizes long and prosperous life[1][2]. Such belief is said to have come from the Chinese who were the ones who brought this type of noodles to the Philippines[1].

Pancit came to the Philippines before the Spanish colonization. This was brought to the country by Chinese traders[2]. The term pancit came from the Hokkien language "pian e sit" which means something that can be cooked easily[1]. And yes, pancit can be cooked easily. Here is how to prepare pancit canton.


Ingredients:

• 1/2 kilo pancit
• 1/4 kilo pork (cut into small pieces)
• 1/4 kilo shrimp (head and shell removed)
• 1 medium-sized carrot (cut in strips)
• 1 pc. shallot (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
• spring onion (minced)
• 4 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 4 cups water
• oil

Procedure:

1. In a wok, sauté shrimp until cooked. Set aside.
2. In the same oil, sauté pork until golden brown.
3. Add garlic and onion.
4. Add sugar. Mix well.
5. Add soy sauce and water.
6. Boil for 15 minutes.
7. Add carrots.
8. Let boil for 10 minutes.
9. Add salt and pepper.
10. Pour in pancit.
11. Let cook for 10 mins. Toss occasionally.
12. Add shrimp. Toss.
13. Add spring onions. Toss.
14.  Serve and enjoy!

References:

[1] Estrella, Serena. 2019 June 6. The History of Pancit: The beginnnings and becomings of the "long life" noodle. Pepper. Retrieved from: https://www.pepper.ph/the-history-of-pancit/

[2] Anonymous.___. Pancit canton. Taste Atlas. Retrieved from: https://www.tasteatlas.com/pancit-canton