Kare Kare from the Philippines

Kare Kare from the Philippines Recipe - Authentic Beef Stew with Artichoke and Eggplant

Region / culture: Philippines | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Kare Kare is a traditional Filipino stew made with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables cooked in a rich peanut sauce. It is a popular dish in the Philippines, often served during special occasions and family gatherings.

History

Kare Kare has its origins in the Philippines, where it is believed to have been influenced by Spanish and Chinese cuisines. The dish was traditionally made with oxtail and tripe, but variations using pork, chicken, or seafood have also become popular.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of beef
4 cups of water
1 artichoke
1 white onion
3 cloves of fresh garlic
1 large eggplant
1 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Cut the beef into small strips.
Peel and chop the onion and garlic.
Quarter the eggplant.
Bring the water to a boil and add the beef.
Boil until the beef is tender.
Remove the beef, reserving the broth, and sauté it with garlic and onion.
Add the reserved broth to the beef, garlic, and onion.
Bring to a boil, add the vegetables, and season to taste with salt.

Variations

Vegetarian Kare Kare: Substitute the meat with tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Seafood Kare Kare: Use shrimp, squid, or fish instead of meat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the dish, you can roast the peanuts before grinding them into a paste for the sauce.

- For a thicker sauce, you can add more ground peanuts or peanut butter.

- To save time, you can use a pressure cooker to tenderize the meat faster.

Serving Suggestions

Kare Kare is traditionally served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side, along with steamed rice.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling: Boil the meat until tender before sautéing with garlic and onion.

- Sautéing: Sauté the meat with garlic and onion to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Oxtail: You can use beef shank or brisket as a substitute for oxtail.

- Tripe: You can omit tripe or use pork belly as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the peanut sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat the sauce before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Kare Kare in a large serving bowl with a garnish of chopped peanuts and spring onions on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Kare Kare pairs well with a side of steamed rice and a refreshing cucumber salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Kare Kare in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Vitamin C: 20% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

Kare Kare is a nutritious dish rich in protein, iron, and vitamin C. However, it is high in fat and calories due to the use of peanut sauce.

Summary

Kare Kare is a delicious and hearty Filipino stew that is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings. With its rich peanut sauce and tender meat, it is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Kare Kare. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in the Philippines. Maria was an incredible cook, and she had invited me over to her home to teach me how to make one of her favorite dishes.

As we stood in her kitchen, surrounded by the fragrant smells of garlic, onions, and spices, Maria handed me a worn piece of paper with the recipe for Kare Kare written in her elegant handwriting. She explained that Kare Kare was a traditional Filipino dish made with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables, simmered in a rich peanut sauce. I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and couldn't wait to learn how to make it.

Maria patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, showing me how to brown the oxtail and tripe, sauté the garlic and onions, and simmer everything together with the peanut sauce until it was tender and flavorful. As we worked side by side in the kitchen, I felt a deep sense of connection to the dish and the culture it represented.

Over the years, I have made Kare Kare countless times, always remembering that special day in Maria's kitchen. I have adapted the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding extra vegetables or spices to make it my own. Each time I make Kare Kare, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in the Philippines, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of Maria's kitchen.

I have shared the recipe for Kare Kare with friends and family, passing down the tradition of this delicious dish to the next generation. I have taught my grandchildren how to make it, showing them the importance of preserving our culinary heritage and honoring the flavors of our ancestors.

As I look back on my life and the many recipes I have collected over the years, Kare Kare holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of the joy of cooking, the power of sharing a meal with loved ones, and the beauty of embracing new cultures and traditions.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, I encourage you to make Kare Kare. Let its rich flavors and comforting warmth transport you to a faraway land, where the food is made with love and shared with joy. And remember, the true essence of cooking lies not just in the ingredients, but in the stories and memories that we create along the way.