Caldereta

Need a dish for a cold fall day? This is the dish. Caldereta is similar to beef stew.  We usually serve over rice. This dish is simple, but takes a little longer to prepare because the flavors mix over a slow simmer.   It is really easy to make large portions for a party or to take to a potluck. I made a larger portion this time because I was cooking for some of my friends.  None of them had had filipino food before and they seemed to enjoy this dish, so even if you're serving some picky eaters, this dish can please.

Ingredients for Caldereta:

 Mama Sita's Caldereta mix(can be found at any asian market) 

 Stew meat 1Ib to 1.5Ib (already cut in to pieces)

 2 bags of frozen peas and carrots 

 2 or 3 medium to large russet potatoes 

 Water 1 1/2 cups

 Vegetable oil 1/2 Tablespoon

Utensils Needed:

 Large sauce pan with lid

 Wooden spoon 

 Paring knife 

 cutting board 

 Start by turning on you burner to medium and let it warm up. Pour the vegetable oil into the pan (if it sizzles, a lot turn heat down). Put your stew meat into the hot oil in the pan and let the meat brown, stirring occasionally. While the meat is browning, wash your potatoes and cut them into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Once the meat is browned, add both bags of your frozen vegetables and the potatoes; mix every thing together. Once well mixed, add the water and Mama Sita's  Caldereta mix; stir it well again.  Turn down heat to low and cover. Stir occasionally for around 30-40 minutes (it is done when your potatoes are fork tender).

Have a good day and a Great filipino meal

Adobo

So for my first recipe, I decided to do one of my personal favorites: Adobo If you've never have had Filipino food, it's an inviting dish to try out. It's called Adobo; it can be done with either chicken or pork. This time I used chicken. It can also be prepared either on stovetop or in the crockpot.

I'm a college student, so since I don't have a crockpot, I'll be using the stove.  However, I will put up the crock pot recipe for those of you who would like to do it that way.  The main difference between the two ways is the flavor soaks in more with the crockpot, which in turn makes the meat more tender.  

But either way you have a great adobo dinner.

Ingredients for Adobo: 

2 Tablespoons Soy sauce

1/3 Cup Vinegar

1 teaspoon Salt

1/4 teaspoon Pepper

1 Tablespoon Sugar

1/2 Tablespoon Garlic powder

1 1/2 Ib Chicken or pork

Utensils needed:

 Large Sauté pan or skillet with cover

 Tongs or a fork

 Bowl

  

Makes 4 Servings

In a bowl, mix the vinegar, soy sauce, salt, pepper, sugar and garlic powder. Once mixed, set aside.

Place your meat in the cold pan, leaving space in between. Pour 1/2 of your soy sauce mixture over the meat in the pan.  Flip your meat over and pour over the rest.   Let the chicken sit and soak up flavor for 30 minutes (Tip:15 minutes flip over and mix around for even coverage.)

Once 30 minutes has elapsed,  turn your burner to simmer or just a little higher (no higher than 3 on an electric stove)  Let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.  You may flip while cooking if you choose.

It's time; check to make sure there is no pink in your meat, and you're ready to serve. I serve everything over jasmine rice, but if you don't like rice, the chicken tastes great all on its own.

Crockpot version 

Ingredients 
 Chicken 6 legs 6 thighs 
  1 1/3 cups Vingar
  8 Tablespoons Soy sauce
  3/4 teaspoons Pepper
  1 1/2 Tablespoons Garlic powder
  1 Tablespoon Salt
  3 Tablespoons Sugar
  1 Cup Water
Utilities
5 quart crockpot

Super simple. Put everything in the crockpot  cover and leave on low for 6-8 hours (put in before work; take out around no earlier then 5:00)

Enjoy!

If you would like, leave a comment below, and have a good day and a great Filipino meal.

Welcome!

Hello, My name is Ali Lindo. Welcome to my blog,The Hearty Filipino,I’m am a third generation American on my father's side.I’m part Filipino and have been enjoying the sweet and savory sides of the culture since I was little kid.  

In my opinion, the best and cheapest way to travel to a country without actually going there, is to indulge in their cuisine. I have found that many people have not tried any Filipino or pinoy food and when I ask why they haven't tried it, they respond,  “I don’t think I'll like it.”  Wrong!  Even with some super picky eaters in my family, there is at least one dish they love and usually more. 

So in my blog you, will find simple recipes for any family not just Filipinos. Each week, I will post at least one recipe and will take pictures just to get you licking your lips. The recipes will vary from appetizers to desserts.Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy the recipes.