This recipe is easy to follow and the results are a delicious soupy stew reminiscent of split pea soup or an Indian dal. But this is not like any split pea soup I've ever had, because although you're adding frizzled bacon at the end, the predominant flavor comes from the dried shrimp and fish sauce. I went a little light on the fish sauce at first, but after tasting, ended up adding even a little more than betteirene suggests. I was thinking that although it might change the nature of what is supposed to be a humble dish (betteirene described it in a food pickle as Filipino "poor man's food"), it would also be tasty with some small, fresh shrimp added at the last minute. I served it over rice as betteirene advised me is traditional, but it would be delicious and plenty hearty on its own.