Kaldereta Recipe: A Delicious Beef Stew
Kaldereta is a beloved Filipino dish, and its rich, savory beef stew version is a true comfort food. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that define a truly exceptional kaldereta. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities based on your desired serving size.
- 1.5 lbs Beef Stew Meat: Cut into 1-inch cubes. Choose a cut with some marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness. Beef chuck or brisket works well.
- 1 large Onion: Finely chopped.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Minced.
- 1 tbsp Ginger: Minced or grated. Fresh ginger is best, but you can use ground ginger in a pinch (use about 1 tsp).
- 1 red bell pepper: Diced.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes: Undrained.
- 1 (12 oz) can Liver Spread: This adds richness and a unique savory depth. Choose your preferred brand.
- 1 cup Beef Broth: Or water, but broth enhances the flavor significantly.
- 1/2 cup Red Wine: Optional, but adds complexity and depth. If omitting, add a bit more beef broth.
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor.
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce: Adds a salty umami kick.
- 1 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
- 1/2 tsp Paprika: For a subtle smoky flavor.
- Bay leaf: 1-2 leaves, adds an aromatic depth.
- 1/4 cup Liver Spread: (optional) For added richness.
- Salt to taste: Adjust to your preference.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Or your preferred cooking oil.
- Potatoes: 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional). Adding potatoes enhances the heartiness of the stew.
Instructions for a Flavorful Kaldereta:
1. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until nicely browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor. Remove the seared beef and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. This helps to deepen the flavor. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), liver spread, beef broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, black pepper, paprika, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Return the seared beef to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. Stir occasionally. Add potatoes during the last 30 minutes of simmering if using.
5. Final Touches: Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce it. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy! Serve your delicious Kaldereta hot with steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Kaldereta:
- Slow and Low: Low and slow cooking is key to tender beef. Don't rush the process!
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the beef in batches to ensure even browning.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs and spices will make a noticeable difference in the flavor.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and seasonings to your liking. Some prefer a spicier kaldereta; add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
This recipe provides a foundational understanding of how to make a delicious beef kaldereta. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add other ingredients to personalize your dish. Enjoy the process of creating this wonderful Filipino classic!
