Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 kg beef balbacua
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup toasted rice flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- 1 banana blossom, sliced
- 1/2 cup string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup bok choy, chopped
- 2 tbsp annatto oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, boil the beef balbacua until tender. This may take around 2-3 hours depending on the meat. Once tender, remove from the pot and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, toasted rice flour, and beef broth. Whisk until well combined.
3. In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the eggplant, banana blossom, string beans, and bok choy. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the peanut butter mixture and annatto oil to the pot. Stir until well combined.
5. Add the beef balbacua to the pot and stir until the meat is coated with the peanut butter sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are cooked and the sauce has thickened.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 3 hours
Temperature:
- Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork balbacua can be used instead of beef balbacua.
- Almond butter or cashew butter can be used instead of peanut butter.
- Cornstarch can be used instead of toasted rice flour.
Variations:
- Add shrimp paste or bagoong for a more traditional flavor.
- Use different vegetables such as okra, cabbage, or carrots.
Tips and tricks:
- To make annatto oil, heat 1/4 cup annatto seeds in 1/2 cup oil over low heat until the oil turns orange. Strain the seeds and use the oil for cooking.
- To make toasted rice flour, toast 1/2 cup rice flour in a dry pan over low heat until golden brown.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a pot over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large bowl with steamed rice on the side.
Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions or cilantro can be sprinkled on top.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables or atchara.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Garlic fried rice
- Lumpia Shanghai
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more beef broth to thin it out.
- If the vegetables are not cooked enough, simmer for a few more minutes until tender.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the beef balbacua until tender to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Balbacua is a Filipino stew made with beef skin, tendons, and other meat cuts. It originated in Cebu and is often served with puto or rice.
Flavor profiles:
- Balbacua Kare-Kare is a rich and savory stew with a nutty peanut butter flavor. The annatto oil adds a subtle earthy flavor and a vibrant orange color.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables.
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Region: Filipino