Originally, I wasn’t going to post anything about Halloween. After all, the Filipino tradition of Halloween is a religious event where Filipinos flock to the cemeteries to pray for their deceased loved ones. No costume parties, no Halloween feasts, no trick or treating. Times have changed and I would hear about some of my nephews and nieces dressing up and holding a party. Still, I chose to not blog about it.
Then two days ago, my aunt texted me, asking me to make my vegan Dinuguan for her so she could enter it at a scary food contest at her work. Dinuguan is Filipino blood stew. It has all kinds of pig parts including pig’s blood. My aunt is no vegan, but she wanted to present a vegan version. Her request was a little last-minute, but she kept convincing me, even proclaimed that she’ll tell her co-workers the benefits of going vegan.
I took her request and quickly made it for her. The next day, she texted me that our vegan Dinuguan won the top 3! I would take that as a compliment (although I’m not sure if it being vegan made it scarier, I hope not!). With that good news in mind, I thought I should share a list of last-minute vegan Filipino dishes that are perfect for Halloween.
3 Last Minute Halloween Recipes, Vegan Filipino
There’s no doubt about it, Dinuguan is one scary-looking dish. It’s all black with mysterious looking ingredients (because they’re covered in thick, black sauce). Also, learning that the sauce is pig’s blood grosses people out. But the reason Filipinos don’t mind its appearance is because the taste makes up for it. It has the perfect balance of savory, sweet, with a touch of tang. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect with starch like steamed rice or steamed rice cake aka puto.
For the recipe, click here.
2. Vegan Isaw
Isaw in the Philippines is either pig or chicken intestines, skewered and grilled, and sold on the streets. The smoke and aroma coming from the grill attracts and lures many passersby. Buying one or three from a street vendor enhances the street food experience. Isaw has become part of the urban landscape. When Filipinos would spot Isaw, it brings nostalgia. Unfortunately the warm, fuzzy memories don’t change the fact that Isaw is highly unhealthy and cruel. But the vegan Isaw could equally bring back those happy memories to Filipino immigrants as well as a fear factor among non-Filipinos at Halloween parties.
For the recipe, click here.
Adobong Pusit is squid cooked in salt, vinegar, and spices. When cooked, the squid releases a black ink that makes the dish scary looking. Even more repulsing when the squid was a pregnant mama with eggs inside. Growing up, I was desensitized and taught to like the eggs as well. For the vegan version, I used king trumpet mushrooms and black beans for the squid ink. As for the eggs, I used cooked quinoa.
For the recipe, click here.
If you’re going for the gory- looking food without the cholesterol, animal fat, and cruelty, please feel free to make the three dishes above. As for me, I would celebrate both Filipino and American traditions by praying for the dead as well as going with my nephews to go trick or treating. I also dressed our family house with spooky decor and prepared vegan candies to hand out. Have a fun and safe Halloween everyone!
Yum! Three of my favorite Pinoy dishes.