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Beef Caldereta is like the MVP of Filipino comfort food! It’s this amazing dish with beef that’s super tender and swimming in this delicious tomato sauce that’s got layers of flavor. It’s the kind of meal you crave at family parties or when you’re celebrating something special. And guess what? You can totally make it at home! I’ll walk you through it step by step, Filipino style. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2.2 lbs beef chunks (preferably shoulder or chuck)
- 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 large bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Reno liver spread
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 4 bay leaves
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
Preparation:
Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks, removing excess fat as desired. Rinse the beef under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Chop Vegetables: Peel and slice the carrots into rounds. Slice the bell pepper into strips. Mince the garlic and chop the onion finely.
Cooking Method:
1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion. Add salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant and translucent.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the beef chunks to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the dish.
3. Cook the Sauce: Once the beef is browned, add the tomato sauce or paste, Reno liver spread. Also add black pepper, salt, and fish sauce. It’s important to add salt and pepper in every step of cooking to further enhance the flavor. Add the bay leaves. Stir the sauce ingredients together until well combined with the beef. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
4. Simmer Until Almost Tender: Cover the pot and let the beef simmer over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is almost tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Fry Potatoes and Vegetables: While the beef is simmering, heat a separate pan with a bit of cooking oil. Fry the cubed potatoes until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Set them aside. In the same pan, fry the sliced carrots and bell peppers until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Set them aside.
6. Add Fried Vegetables and Potatoes: When the beef is almost done, add the fried carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Beef Caldereta and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or fish sauce if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is cooked to perfection, transfer the Beef Caldereta to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy the flavorful goodness!
Making Beef Caldereta the Filipino way is like putting a piece of your heart into the pot, and what comes out is this explosion of flavor and tradition. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of kitchen magic, you’ll have the taste of the Philippines right there on your dinner plate. So, round up your ingredients, get your hands dirty, and get ready to treat your taste buds to a taste of this timeless Filipino favorite!
