Get to know this ‘proben’ and tested Pinoy street food
Fried or grilled skewers dipped in vinegar sauce with onions and spices — a perfect snack to fill your day. This kind of street food has been an integral part of our local food scene. Not only it is convenient and affordable, but it also serves as the identity of our culture.
When it comes to Pinoy street foods, the first things that would probably pop in your mind are kwek-kwek, isaw, and balut. But, among these mouthwatering foods, have you already tried chicken proben?
If you still haven’t, then you might want to scroll down because proben is something you can’t definitely miss out on!
Crunch at first bite
Proben, occasionally known as proven, is a name short for proventriculus. It is a part of a chicken or any avian animal’s digestive system found between its crop and gizzard.
With that, we can see that Filipinos are indeed resourceful. From its blood and intestines to its liver and feet. Nothing goes to waste as we have a recipe for almost every part of the chicken.
Popularly known in the city of Cagayan de Oro, the delicious news has spread across Luzon and Visayas. In the city of Manila, several food stalls can be found in the streets of Divisoria and other places as well.
For P3 – P5 each, it is no surprise why everyone loves it as once you’ve tried it, you’ll probably be tempted to eat more.
If you want to try to cook it at home, the recipe is just simple. With the chicken part needed, all you need to have is cornstarch or flour, along with other condiments and spices.
Deep-fried until golden brown, proben is best served while warm. You can dip its crunchiness in vinegar or special sauce depending on your liking. To know more about the recipe, check out the video below:
Nutritional value of proben
As much as we want to munch a dozen sticks of proben, we should still be cautious of how we eat. In a 2006 study conducted by the University of the Philippines – Los Banos, researchers analyzed the nutritional and microbial contents of proven.
In a raw proventriculus, they found 39.08% of crude protein, 25.59% of carbohydrates, and 25.59% of crude fat. This shows how potentially harmful it is for one’s health.
On the other hand, in assessing its microbial quality, the presence of pathogenic microbes such as coliform indicates a risk of contamination. Furthermore, these have shown at “different stages of preparation,” therefore consider as “control points.
This means that in stages of preparation and cooking, the practice of personal hygiene is a must!
Felt hungry after reading? Then, why don’t treat yourself but don’t forget to eat responsibly!
