Caldereta is a popular Filipino dish that features tender meat, often beef or goat, cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with vegetables. Here's a basic recipe for cooking beef caldereta:
Di na tayo mag-aksaya ng oras kaya simulan na ang pagluto ng napakasarap ng Caldereta para sa pamilya.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef, cut into chunks (you can also use goat meat)
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup liver spread (optional but adds richness)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Chili peppers (optional, for added spice)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or a pressure cooker, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onions until the onions become translucent.
3. Add the beef or goat meat chunks to the pot and brown them on all sides. This helps seal in the flavors and keep the meat tender.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil. If using a pressure cooker, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking meat.
5. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, bay leaf, and ground black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors.
6. If you want your caldereta to have a spicy kick, you can add some chopped chili peppers or red pepper flakes at this point.
7. Cover the pot and let the meat simmer over low to medium heat until it becomes tender. If using a pressure cooker, cook the meat according to the cooker's instructions.
8. Once the meat is almost tender, add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Continue cooking until the vegetables are cooked through.
9. Stir in the liver spread (if using) to add a creamy texture and richness to the sauce. This step is optional but highly recommended for a more authentic taste.
10. Lastly, add the sliced red and green bell peppers. These add color and additional flavor to the dish.
11. Let the caldereta simmer for a few more minutes until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste.
12. Once everything is cooked and the flavors have developed, your caldereta is ready to serve! It's best enjoyed with steamed rice.
Note: Caldereta can be prepared with variations such as adding olives, green peas, or grated cheese on top. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste preferences.
Enjoy your delicious homemade caldereta!