Make this bowl of kamatis bagoong with me! This side dish uses black beans, coconut milk, and ripe tomatoes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is vegetarian, dairy-free, and beginner-friendly. And the ingredients are simple and healthy. Tomatoes bring fresh flavor and natural sweetness. They're also a good source of vitamin C and lycopene. The black beans stand in for traditional ingredients like fish sauce or shrimp paste.
The Story Behind Kamatis Bagoong
Filipinos love to pair bagoong with tomatoes. It keeps the flavors balanced. Traditional versions use bagoong Balayan, a fermented fish sauce known for its strong, salty taste. Some like the cloudy version of fish sauce, while others prefer clear patis. This version uses salted black beans for a vegan alternative.
Where Kamatis Bagoong Comes From
This condiment was created in the Philippines, part of Filipino cuisine. No one is recognized as the one person who created it. Similar salty condiments are used in many regional dishes. This includes KBL, an acronym for kadyos, baboy, at langka. Other versions use vinegar, fish sauce, or shrimp paste to build bold and savory flavor.
When is this Dish Typically Enjoyed?
No occasion is necessary to enjoy this staple. You can add it to your tofu, veggies, steamed rice, and savory dishes any time you want. Try pairing it with cooked langka or bagnet, too. Serve it at any simple family meal. Enjoy it kamayan style or using bare hands!
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- salted black beans
- tomatoes
- red onion
- garlic
- coconut cream
- salt
- black pepper
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
First, chop the tomatoes and red onion, then mince the garlic.
Set aside a small amount of the tomatoes and onion for cooking later.
Blend the Bagoong Mixture
Next, add the salted black beans, most of the tomatoes, garlic, and onion to a blender.
Blend until smooth and thick.
Cook the Tomatoes
Then, add a small amount of water to a pan over medium heat and add the reserved tomatoes and onion.
Cook until the tomatoes are soft and slightly mushy.
Add the Bagoong Mixture
After that, pour the blended black bean mixture into the pan, then stir in the coconut cream.
Cook for 3–5 minutes so the flavors come together.
Season and Serve
Then season with salt and black pepper, and add a little water if you want a thinner consistency.
Finally, turn off the heat and serve with rice or vegetables!
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
If you don't have red onion, feel free to use white or yellow onion. - Variation
For a lighter consistency, swap coconut cream with coconut milk. - Mistake to Avoid
Don't add too much salt before tasting the mixture. The black beans already have salt. Just add more after everything has simmered together.
Storage Tip
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. Freeze it for up to 1 month, but the tomatoes and coconut cream separate slightly after thawing.
FAQs
Foolproof Kamatis Bagoong
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted black beans
- 8–10 medium ripe red tomatoes chopped
- 1 red onion chopped, with some reserved for sautéing
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup coconut cream
- water as needed
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- First, chop the tomatoes and red onion, then mince the garlic.
- Set aside a small amount of the tomatoes and onion for cooking later.
Blend the Bagoong Mixture
- Next, add the salted black beans, most of the tomatoes, garlic, and onion to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and thick.
Cook the Tomatoes
- Then, add a small amount of water to a pan over medium heat and add the reserved tomatoes and onion.
- Cook until the tomatoes are soft and slightly mushy.
Add the Bagoong Mixture
- After that, pour the blended black bean mixture into the pan, then stir in the coconut cream.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes so the flavors come together.
Season and Serve
- Then season with salt and black pepper, and add a little water if you want a thinner consistency.
- Finally, turn off the heat and serve with rice or vegetables!
Watch The Recipe Video!
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Recipes for Every Moment
Want to make your veggies and plain rice more exciting? Make some kamatis bagoong! This savory flavor takes a few minutes to make using a few simple ingredients.
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