We’re back with another Filipino favorite! This dish is a staple at fiestas, just like menudo (my personal favorite), along with hamonado and other classics. Today’s recipe is kaldereta, but instead of the typical spicy pork kaldereta, we’re using beef. Get your cooking gear and apron ready—it’s time to cook up some delicious kaldereta!
Batangas Kaldereta Recipe
When we think of Batangas, we often associate it with chilly weather, Batangas lomi, and bulalo. Well, it also boasts its own pride—Batangas kaldereta! What sets this dish apart? Let’s explore. One standout feature is the use of liver spread, especially the old favorite Reno Liver Spread that has been cherished by Filipinos for ages. This ingredient adds a rich and distinctive flavor that distinguishes Batangas kaldereta from other versions. Additionally, Batangas kaldereta is renowned for its bold spiciness, often incorporating chili peppers or hot sauce to give it that special kick.
Kaldereta often gets mixed up with menudo or mechado because they share similar ingredients and appearance, but they each have their own unique qualities. One common myth is that kaldereta contains tomato sauce, but true kaldereta doesn’t actually use it. Instead, kaldereta gets its rich, savory flavor from liver spread or liver paste, along with a bit of heat from chili peppers or hot sauce. These flavors make kaldereta stand out from other Filipino stews, giving it a bold and delicious taste that’s all its own.
Filipinos have a deep love for spicy food, and Batangas kaldereta perfectly satisfies that craving with its bold flavors and fiery kick. This classic dish is a must-try, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Batangas.
Ingredients for Batangas Kaldereta
Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with Batangas kaldereta! This hearty Filipino dish features tender beef simmered in a savory sauce infused with tomatoes, liver spread, and a spicy kick from chili peppers. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 lbs. beef chuck, sliced into 1 ½ inch cubes
- 3 red onions, chopped
- 8 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3 ounces liver spread
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon annatto powder
- 1 tablespoon beef powder
- 3 Thai chili peppers, chopped
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups water
- 3 tablespoons margarine
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
How to Cook Batangas Kaldereta
1. Marinate the Beef
- Mix the beef and soy sauce in a bowl, making sure the beef gets coated nicely.
- Let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Base
- In a pan, melt the margarine over medium heat.
- Stir in the annatto powder to infuse a vibrant color into the margarine.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it begins to brown.
- Add the onions and continue cooking until they soften. Caramelizing the onions is also a good idea. To do this, simply cook them over low heat for a few extra minutes until they turn golden brown and sweet-smelling.
3. Cook the Beef
- Add the marinated beef to the pan and sauté until the outer part turns a light brown color.
- Stir often to ensure even cooking on all sides, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Incorporate Worcestershire sauce and sweet pickle relish into the beef, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to enhance flavor.
4. Simmer and Tenderize the Beef
- Pour in the water (or beef broth) and bring it to a boil.
- Stir in the beef powder and cover the pan.
- Allow the mixture to simmer until the beef becomes tender, stirring occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This can take around 1.5 to 2 hours. To speed up the tenderizing process, you can use a pressure cooker.
5. Season and Thicken the Sauce
- Add the liver spread, cheese, chili peppers, and peanut butter (if using).
- Stir until the sauce becomes smooth. It will thicken up after a few minutes.
- Keep cooking on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Add breadcrumbs to further thicken the sauce. If you prefer a runny sauce, you can skip this step.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
6. Serve
Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy! For the perfect Batangas kaldereta experience, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve with a generous portion of steamed white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your Batangas Kaldereta! This rich, spicy, and flavorful dish is sure to be a hit at any meal.
