Ensalada: Classic Filipino Side Dish

 There are many interesting things about the Philippine cuisine. Various cultural influences are stewed in the food- Spanish, Chinese, America, Mexican, Southeast-Asian. Much to say.

 Like toyo, patis, and calamansi, which are typical accompaniments to almost every meal, ensaladas are refreshing accompaniments to many main dishes as well. Ensaladas (similar term for Spanish and Mexican cuisine for salad) are usually composed of fruit, vegetable, seaweed, and an acidulant like vinegar or calamansi.  They match fried and grilled foods perfectly, contrasting the savory and sometimes fatty textures of meat.

Among my favorites are grilled eggplant, mango, tomato for main ingredients, with chopped onions and chilies on the side. Just plain good.