MENUDO (FILIPINO PORK OR BEEF STEW)

Menudo (Filipino Pork or Beef Stew) image

Provided by Vickie Parks

Categories Pork

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 16

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2 1/4 lb boneless pork or beef ribs, chopped into small cubes
1 large onion, chopped
6 to 8 clove garlic, peeled and chopped
salt
black pepper
2 large plum tomatoes, chopped
2 Tbsp fish sauce
2 bay leaves (bay laurel)
1/2 c water
2 large potatoes, cubed
2 medium carrots, cubed
1 large red bell pepper, cubed (about the size of cubed carrots and potatoes)
1/2 c raisins
1/4 c ketchup
1 Tbsp brown sugar, if needed to offset tartness
cooked white rice (for serving)

Steps:

1. Place the pork cubes in a large pan or Dutch oven and let it cook in medium heat until it changes its color. No need for any oil as the meat will release some of its fat in the process. Add the garlic and onions and sauté. Season with a little salt and pepper. Continue to cook until the pork has browned (but not fried all the way) and the onions have softened.
2. Add the tomatoes and fish sauce and continue to sauté for a couple of minutes. Add the bay leaves. Cover and simmer on low until the pork is tender.
3. When the pork is tender, add the water, potatoes and carrots. Cover, and cook until the vegetables are tender. Add the sweet peppers, raisins and the ketchup. Cook for another 5 minutes or just until the raisins are re-hydrated and the sauce is fully heated through.
4. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If it's a little tart, sprinkle some brown sugar to balance the taste. Don't make it too sweet as you have raisins to balance the sour and savory flavor of the other ingredients. It should just be a perfect balance of sweet, tart and salty! Have it with rice, of course!