What is Pachamba?

In my household, we cook primarily Filipino cuisine.

So your typical Tinola, Chicken Adobo, Pinakbet, Sinigang and Nilaga

Just a few of my favorites and constant staples at my dinner table.

To add some variety to the table, my family likes to cook "Pachamba" or "Pacham" for short. Modern definition would be: a dish conjured up with anything found in the fridge or cabinet; or with whatever you can get your hands on.

Pacham is like a scale; you may either go bad or good, and sometimes the okay. The key to a successful Pacham is to have some kind of vision/ inspiration, know what kind of flavors there are and taste you are looking for; also an inspiration.

My parents are the King and Queen of Pacham. Their dishes have been more than great. If I were to ask how to make one of their Pacham dishes, it would be a total fail. The reason is my parents eye-ball measurements and go with taste rather the technical measuring cups.

No measurements. No rules.

Just instinct.

The way you perceive the taste of food can totally differ from my perception. When I do try to make their dishes, its kind of in the same ballpark, but not all the time.

I like to think of Pacham cooking as a trial and error. Its alright if it isn't good the first time because you can learn and grow from that.

A lot with the dishes that I have concocted has revolved around Pacham. By cooking this way, I've learned about flavors, combinations and different technics to cook.

I may not go to culinary school, but I think the experience of cooking helps make me feel like it.

Just yesterday, I meal prepped my lunch for my post work-out grub.

I made Pad Thai noodles with a bit of curry paste mixed in. I didnt have the exact noodles you use for Pad Thai and so I subbed it for the noodles that are normally used for Pancit (filipino noodles). My end product was a creamy, spicy party in my belly! The idea just popped in my head because I was craving for curry and I thought about National Peanut Butter Day that was earlier this week. So I just had to make something with peanut butter.

Quick and easy recipes can be made with Pacham cooking.

Here are some of my favorite Pacham dishes, and some of them you can even make yourself.

Don't be afraid to experiment or play with your food.

Food isn't something to take sternly, but should be taken seriously

as in seriously stuff yer face with it and enjoy it