Adobong Pata (Ham Hock Adobo)

Ingredients for Adobong Pata (Ham Hock Adobo)

• 3 lb ham hock (pata), sliced into servings
• 8 cups water, for initial boiling
• 6 cups water, for braising
• 5 dried bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce
• 6 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/2 beef or pork cube
• 1 head garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt, optional

How to cook Adobong Pata (Ham Hock Adobo)

1. 1.Boil pata in 8 cups water for 60 minutes. Drain, discard the water, and set pata aside.
2. 2.Heat oil in a large pot. Brown garlic, then add peppercorns and bay leaves for 30 seconds.
3. 3.Add pata and 6 cups water, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. 4.Add stock cube and soy sauce; cook on low for 40 minutes, adding water if needed.
5. 5.Add onion powder, vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stir, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, keeping enough sauce.
6. 6.Add salt only if needed, then serve.