The rich aroma of simmering beef stew – wherever we are – just does not cease to make us look forward to lunch or dinner. It is beef caldereta (or beef kaldereta) for the Filipinos. A classic stew, hearty and vibrant that is loved for its robust flavors and festive appearance. With Spanish influences and a Philippine twist, Caldereta is a must-try for any food enthusiast.
In this post, we will delve into the world of Beef Caldereta, guide you through the cooking process, and share with you tips to ensure your dish is the star of the dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, prepare to elevate your dinner repertoire with this mouthwatering recipe.
Beef Kaldereta Recipe at a Glance
Beef Kaldereta, also known as Beef Kaldereta, is a classic Filipino dish traditionally reserved for special occasions but enjoyed all year round by families and food aficionados alike. Reflecting a rich culinary heritage, this mouthwatering beef stew is hailed for its deep flavors and hearty ingredients. While goat meat is the original protein of choice for this dish, beef substitutes such as beef chuck, beef brisket, or other beef stew meat have gained popularity due to their accessibility and preferred taste profile.
The heart of Beef Kaldereta lies in a vibrant concoction of diced tomatoes, savory chunks of carrots, potatoes, and the sweet tang of bell peppers, specifically green bell peppers. This medley, braised in a rich tomato-based sauce, is further sweetened by the inclusion of green olives and sometimes enriched by the addition of frozen green peas then sealed with the surprising but pivotal ingredient of liver spread or liver pate. It’s an essential element that amplifies the stew’s character without overpowering it with a liver taste. In this post, however, we are replacing the liver pate with peanut butter which is supposedly another version of kaldereta, but for Feastful Fork, it is to deliver its promise of “pork-free recipes and delicious alternative.”
Ideally served with steaming white rice, Beef Caldereta can transform an ordinary mealtime into a feast, infusing medium heat for those who cherish a bit of spicy warmth in their dishes. Its versatility allows it to be customized to individual palates, from tender beef simmering in a simmering sauce to the final sprinkle of Black Pepper for a perfectly seasoned bite.
Ingredients:
- Tender beef, such as been shanks, brisket, or bottom roast
- Tomato sauce
- Liver spread or pate (we used peanut butter in our recipe here as an alternative)
- Potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers
- Cloves garlic
- Onion
- Beef broth or cups of water
- Tomato paste (optional for thicker sauce)
- Cheddar cheese (for garnish)
- Salt and ground black pepper
- green olives
Instructions:
To achieve the most flavorful Beef Caldereta, begin by marinating your choice cuts of beef in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and minced cloves of garlic. This essential step ensures that the beef absorbs a robust foundation of flavors before even touching the pan. Once marinated, heat a Dutch oven or a heavy-based pot over medium heat, and add the beef, browning it on all sides to unlock a layer of smoky richness that will permeate the entire stew.
As the beef sizzles, add the tomato sauce or tomato paste to form the backbone of the Caldereta’s sauce. Simmer together with cups beef broth and cups water, letting the beef tenderize in this savory bath of flavor, adding the peanut butter and vegetables halfway through.
Near the close of the cooking time, introduce cheddar cheese into the stew, watching it melt into the concoction to present a creamier, more indulgent sauce. To balance the rich and powerful flavors of this dish, adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper, refining the taste to perfection.
Remember that Beef Caldereta’s allure is its flexibility and potential for customization. Each ingredient poured into the pot contributes to the dish’s celebrated flavor profile, offering a comforting blend of savory, slightly sweet, and gently spicy notes for anyone gathered at the table.
How to serve and store
Serving Suggestions
Present the stew in a Dutch oven or a deep serving dish to maintain warmth. Pair this rich tomato-based delicacy with plain white rice to balance its bold flavors that stem from its ingredients.
Storing Beef Caldereta
Refrigerating Steps
- Cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing Steps
- Portion as desired.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Remember to wrap well with aluminum foil if you are not using a sealed container. This will help preserve the robust flavor profile, just as sealing the flavors within cuts of beef during slow cooking does. Equipped with these tips, you can relish this special occasion.
Print
Mouthwatering Beef Caldereta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main dish
- Method: cooking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
This savory Filipino beef caldereta is packed with tender chunks of beef, fresh bell peppers, and other vegetables with the teasing taste of green olives in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kgs beef (tenderloin, bottom roast, or any similar cut) cut roughly (2–4 inch size -your choice)
- ¼ cup cooking oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, diced ( about 2 inches in size)
- 3 medium-sized carrots, diced ( about 2 inches in size)
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp cup tomato paste
- 1 cup water (to be used sparingly)
- ½ cup green olives
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (to replace liver spread)
- 1 medium-sized green bell pepper, diced roughly
- 1 medium-sized red bell pepper, diced roughly
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil In a wide pan over medium heat. Add potatoes and carrots and cook until lightly browned. Remove from pot and drain on paper towels.
- Using the same pan, add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned; about 10 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and about 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil then lower the heat and let the meat tenderize. This could take more or less two hours. You may want to check the meat every now and then and add water, as necessary.
- Once the meat is tender, add the peanut butter and stir until well incorporated. Add all the vegetables but the sweet peas – add this near the of cooking
- Season with salt and pepper.
