Viral Christmas Recipe: Beef Caldereta – Filipino Hearty Beef Stew
Beef Caldereta, or Kalderetang Baka, is a rich, comforting Filipino beef stew with Spanish roots. This dish is a favorite at celebrations and family gatherings. It’s slow-cooked with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers in a tomato-based sauce, elevated with liver spread and cheese for a creamy, slightly spicy finish. Here’s how to make this iconic stew.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 lbs bottom round roast (or similar tough cut), cut into 2-inch cubes
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 10 Thai chili peppers, minced (adjust to taste for spice level)
- ½ cup green olives, pitted
- ½ cup liver spread
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and cubed
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
In a wide pan, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the potato and carrot cubes and cook until they’re lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Discard excess oil from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and cook until they become fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the beef cubes to the pan. Stir occasionally, browning all sides of the meat. This step helps lock in flavor and adds depth to the stew.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water, stirring to combine. Add the minced Thai chili peppers for a kick of heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then skim off any foam or scum that rises to the surface. Season with salt and pepper, lower the heat, cover, and let it cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until the beef is tender.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Carrots
Once the beef is nearly tender, add the browned potatoes and carrots. Continue to simmer until they’re cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Enrich the Sauce
Add the liver spread and shredded cheese, stirring until they melt into the sauce and thicken it. This step gives Caldereta its signature creamy, slightly tangy flavor.
Step 7: Add Bell Peppers and Olives
Toss in the bell peppers and olives, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will soften the bell peppers slightly while keeping their crisp texture intact.
Step 8: Serve
Serve your Beef Caldereta hot, ideally over steamed rice, to enjoy all its savory, creamy flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Flavorful: The cheese and liver spread make this stew creamy and uniquely flavorful.
- Versatile Spice Level: Adjust the Thai chili peppers to make it as spicy as you like.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Beef Caldereta’s rich flavors and colors make it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
Beef Caldereta is a dish that invites everyone to slow down and savor each bite. Its creamy, spicy sauce and tender beef make it an unforgettable Filipino classic.
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