Abal-abal Boys

 

 

Have you ever tasted an exotic food?

 

I find abal-abal as an exotic food though in our province, it is a delectable dish.  Honestly, I never had the courage to taste it but some people I have asked attested that it tastes really good!(",)

 

The Philippine Beetle (salagubang in Filipino, ABAL-ABAL in Ilocano) usually comes out before the rainy season, May and June.  It is considered a delicacy mostly in the northern part of the Philippines.   

 

When cooking salagubang, it is best to choose those which just passed the larval stage because they are still soft. Removed their wings before cooking.

ABAL-ABAL SAUTE

INGREDIENTS:
Salagubang
oil
vinegar
pepper
salt or soy sauce

Sauté salagubang into a small amount of oil then blend with salt or soy sauce and pepper. When it is already half cooked, add a small amount of vinegar. stir until it becomes dry and toast.

 

You can also fry salagubang when you want it to be brittle.

 

This is what I miss being a kid, you always have the courage and fearless way of exploring many things in life even food.  I've tasted fried frog, dog and goat dishes back in my grade school days, I enjoyed the swapping of viand with my classmates during lunch.  When I was about to graduate in college that was the only time I've tasted the famous Philippine Balut.  Next thing in my list is to try the abal-abal menu, I will let you know what the taste like.(",)

It feels gratified to say, "Been there, tasted that!" (",)