Beef Caldereta

Introduction

Beef Caldereta is a classic Filipino dish known for its rich, hearty, and flavorful stew. Often served during celebrations or family gatherings, this dish combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a uniquely creamy sauce with a hint of peanut butter and liver spread. A perfect blend of savory and mildly spicy flavors, Caldereta is best enjoyed with steamed rice, making it a favorite comfort food in many Filipino households.

Ingredients

• 1200g beef / 1.2 kilograms
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼–⅓ cup soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 packs tomato sauce (90g each)
• 1 small can liver spread
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 bell peppers
• 2 medium potatoes
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 medium onions
• 1 head garlic
• 4 bay leaves
• 3 ½ cups hot water
• ⅓ cup oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• Green olives
• Pepper and red chilies
• Grated cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Rinse the beef thoroughly and drain well. Cut into serving-sized pieces.
   • Marinate the beef in a mixture of pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce for at least 1 hour.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • Heat oil in a pan. Fry the bell peppers briefly for 1 minute, remove, and set aside.
   • Fry the potatoes and carrots until half-cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Base:
   • In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
   • Add the marinated beef, reserving the marinade. Sauté for 5 minutes, then season with additional pepper and sauté for another minute.
4. Simmer the Stew:
   • Add bay leaves and stir for 1 minute.
   • Pour in the tomato sauce, mixing well. Cook for 2 minutes until well blended.
   • Add the hot water and reserved marinade. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
5. Finalize the Dish:
   • Stir in liver spread and peanut butter, ensuring they dissolve into the sauce. Simmer for 3 minutes.
   • Add the potatoes, carrots, and red chilies. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
   • Add bell peppers and green olives. Stir, then sprinkle with grated cheese (if using) and let the sauce thicken.
6. Serve:
   • Turn off the heat and serve the Beef Caldereta hot with steamed rice.

Conclusion

Beef Caldereta is a delightful showcase of Filipino culinary ingenuity, combining humble ingredients into a dish rich in flavor and texture. With its tender beef, creamy sauce, and colorful vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleaser at your dining table. Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of this beloved dish with friends and family!