Lubi-Lubi as it is called in Bicol, is native to the Philippines. It’s commonly grown in many parts Luzon and everywhere in the Bicol region. I don’t believe it’s widely known globally, but it is said to be grown as a landscaping plant in Hawaii. It has a few designated names such as, Philippine fig, dracaena fig and palm-leaf fig. The tree itself is described as a fake palm due to its appearance which is similar to a palm tree, but obviously they are not.
As Bicolanos, we all know what benefits Lubi-Lubi leaves give us. They are not just known for medicinal uses, but Lubi-Lubi leaves serve as one of the many edible products we consume as part of our meals. Bicolanos use a selective part of its young leaves and cook them in coconut milk. Stewing Lubi-Lubi leaves in coconut milk, is Ginataang Lubi-Lubi or Linagang Lubi-Lubi, is one of Miles’s quick and easy Filipino dished that she serves her loved ones for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients: 4 servings
2 bundles of selected lubi-lubi leaves
1/2 medium slice onion
3 cloves of minced garlic
1/2 lb of pork belly cubes (liempo)
2 pieces shredded Tinapa (smoked fish) optional
2 tbsp. bagoong alamang (shrimp paste), reduced salt
2 cups freshly grated coconut milk
1 cup water
salt & pepper to taste
Cooking Procedure:
- On a large cooking pan, simply combine coconut milk and water. Apply onions, garlic, pork belly cubes or shredded tinapa(smoked fish), bagoong alamang(shrimp paste), season with salt and peppers. Whisk to combine all ingredient.
- Turn oven heat to medium temperature and bring in coconut mixture into a boil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
- When coconut milk mixture thickens, apply the lubi-lubi leaves(Philippine figs). Continue to let it simmer for another 10 minutes until coconut milk a slight coconut oil forms, and lubi-lubi leaves are fully cooked.
- Remove from heat when done. Serve Ginataang Lubi-Lubi(Palm-leaf figs) or Linagang Lubi-Lubi hot with steamed rice.
Note: Add pork belly cubes as an alternative to shredded tinapa(smoked fish), if desired.
Lubi-Lubi Leaves
