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Kangkong is an inexpensive but nutritious leafy green vegetable which grows easily in bodies of water.

The downside to that is the kangkong can easily absorb the chemicals and other pollutants if the water gets contaminated.

Because of this, some farmers are choosing to grow upland kangkong--kangkong varieties that can be cultivated on land instead of water.

However, Yolanda Riguer, owner of Munting Paraiso ni Yolly Farm says that upland kangkong is harder to grow.

"Sa swamp kangkong, wala kang gagawin kundi pitasin. Wala kang gagawin kasi doon lumalago na 'yun eh. Kasi gusto niya 'yung ambiance doon, 'yung tubig. Siya nga 'yung naglilinis [ng tubig]. Whereas dito sa upland kangkong natin, may land preparation pa 'yun ng two weeks. Ilalagay ninyo po lahat ng nutrients ng lupa kasi dapat 'yung lupa ang patatabain natin para lahat ng itatanim natin na upland kangkong mataba na," she explains.

Whether it grew in water or on land, kangkong is very versatile.

Chef Nolz Evangelista, owner of Sushi Master in Malabon, uses kangkong as one of the ingredients in their sushi.

Kangkong Sushi

Ingredients
kangkong, boiled
nori
sushi rice (rice mixed with vinegar, sake, and sugar)
sesame seeds
cucumber cut into long strips
cheese cut into long strips
Japanese mayonnaise
soy sauce
wasabi

How to prepare
1. Take a bit of rice and smear at the edge of the nori to act as glue
2. spread sushi rice on the nori
3. sprinkle sesame seeds
4. Assemble cucumber, cheese, and kangkong
5. Place Japanese mayonnaise
6. Roll the sushi then cut
7. serve with soy sauce and wasabi

Watch the video for the recipe for Kangkong Pajeon, a savory Korean pancake and Porbidang Kangkong, an Ilonggo specialty.

One can also add kangkong to level up a pasta recipe. Pinas Sarap host Kara David tried her hand at cooking Sun-dried Tomato Pasta with Kangkong.

Sundried Tomato Pasta With Kangkong

Ingredients
kangkong
onion
garlic
oil
sun-dried tomatoes
chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
salt
pepper
fresh tomatoes, diced
fresh basil
chili flakes
angel hair pasta
kesong puti

How to prepare
1. Saute onion and garlic
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes
3. Add chicken
4. Add salt and pepper to taste
5. Once chicken is cooked, add fresh tomatoes
6. Add fresh basil
7. Add chili flakes
8. Add kangkong
9. add cooked pasta
10. Mix well then top with kesong puti

2016 brought in the salted egg potato chips craze. Chef Ralf Villavicencio, co-owner of Chai Chips, incorporated this popular flavor into his Salted Egg Kangkong Chips.

Salted Egg Kangkong Chips

Ingredients
kangkong leaves
water
salt
tapioca starch
salted egg yolk
white sugar
chili flakes
salt
oil

How to prepare
1. Dunk kangkong leaves in water with salt
2. Coat the leaves in tapioca starch
3. Deep fry until crispy
4. Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes
5. Mash salted egg yolk
6. Add white sugar, chili flakes, and salt
7. Toss the kangkong chips in the mixture then serve

Watch the video to see how Kapampangan buffet restaurant chain Cabalen makes their famous Crispy Kangkong.

Kangkong is rich in fiber as well as vitamin A and C. Try these leveled up recipes to use this nutritious leafy green.


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