Pancit choca

Pancit Choca

A serving of Pancit Choca

Pancit Choca, also known as Pancit Pusit, is a traditional Filipino dish that is a variant of the popular pancit noodle dishes. It is distinct for its use of squid ink, which gives the noodles a characteristic black color and a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients of Pancit Choca include:

• Rice noodles or bihon
• Squid
• Squid ink
• Garlic
• Onion
• Tomato
• Fish sauce
• Calamansi
• Green onions
• Chili peppers (optional)

Preparation

The preparation of Pancit Choca involves several steps:

1. Cleaning the Squid: The squid is cleaned, and the ink sacs are carefully extracted and set aside. 2. Sautéing Aromatics: Garlic, onions, and tomatoes are sautéed in a pan until they are soft and fragrant. 3. Cooking the Squid: The squid is added to the pan and cooked briefly until tender. 4. Adding Squid Ink: The squid ink is mixed into the pan, giving the dish its signature black color. 5. Cooking the Noodles: Rice noodles are added to the mixture and cooked until they absorb the flavors. 6. Seasoning: The dish is seasoned with fish sauce and calamansi juice to taste. 7. Garnishing: Finally, the dish is garnished with chopped green onions and chili peppers if desired.

Cultural Significance

Pancit Choca is a specialty of the Cavite region in the Philippines, where it is often served during special occasions and gatherings. The use of squid ink is a unique twist on the traditional pancit, reflecting the coastal influences of the region.

Variations

While the basic recipe remains consistent, variations of Pancit Choca may include additional seafood such as shrimp or mussels, or the use of different types of noodles like sotanghon or canton.

Related Pages

• Pancit
• Filipino cuisine
• Squid ink
• Cavite