Kare-Kare is yummy!
Kare-Kare is a popular Filipino dish made with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables cooked in a rich peanut sauce. This savory and nutty stew is often served with steamed rice and bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side. It is a perfect meal for family gatherings, special occasions, or when you want to indulge in a comforting dish. If you want to try making Kare-Kare at home, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to cook Kare-Kare and give you a recipe that is easy to follow.
- Understanding Kare-Kare
Kare-Kare has a unique flavor and texture that sets it apart from other stews. It is thick, creamy, and has a distinct nutty taste. The key ingredient that gives it its signature flavor is ground roasted peanuts. Some variations of Kare-Kare use cashew nuts or ground sesame seeds, but peanuts are the most commonly used nut. Other ingredients that make up the stew include annatto oil, garlic, onions, and a variety of vegetables such as eggplant, banana blossom, and pechay (Chinese cabbage). The protein used in Kare-Kare can vary from oxtail, tripe, beef, or even seafood like prawns or squid.
- Preparing the Ingredients
Before cooking Kare-Kare, it is important to prepare all the ingredients. The oxtail and tripe should be boiled until tender and then cut into bite-sized pieces. The vegetables should be cleaned and sliced accordingly. The annatto oil can be bought in a store or made at home by heating annatto seeds in oil until it turns orange. The peanuts should be roasted until golden brown and then ground into a paste using a blender or food processor. Lastly, the shrimp paste or bagoong should be set aside as a condiment.
- Cooking Kare-Kare
To start cooking Kare-Kare, heat some oil in a pot and sauté garlic and onions until translucent. Add the boiled oxtail and tripe and let it cook for a few minutes. Pour enough water to cover the meat and bring it to a boil. Once the meat is tender, add the vegetables and cook until they are soft. Next, add the ground peanut paste and annatto oil (Achuete) to the pot and stir until it thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, serve the Kare-Kare with a side of shrimp paste.
- Kare-Kare Recipe
Here’s a recipe for Kare-Kare that serves four people:
Ingredients:
- 1 kilogram of oxtail, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 kilogram of tripe, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- 1 banana blossom (puso ng saging), sliced
- Other Vegetables to taste and diet restrictions
- 1/4 kilogram of pechay (Chinese cabbage), chopped
- 1/4 cup of annatto oil (Achuete)
- 1/2 cup of roasted peanuts, ground into a paste
- 2 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shrimp paste (bagoong) for serving
Instructions:
- Boil the oxtail and tripe in a separate pot until tender. Set aside.
- In a large pot, sauté garlic and onions in oil until translucent.
- Add the oxtail and tripe to the pot and let it cook for a few minutes.
- Pour enough
- water to cover the meat and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the meat is tender.
- Add the sliced eggplant, banana blossom, and pechay to the pot and cook until they are soft.
- Add the ground peanut paste and annatto oil (Achuete) to the pot and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Kare-Kare with a side of shrimp paste.
Tips for Cooking Kare-Kare
Cooking Kare-Kare may seem intimidating, but it is not as complicated as it seems. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Kare-Kare:
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
- Boil the oxtail and tripe until they are tender before adding them to the pot.
- Make sure to roast the peanuts until they are golden brown to bring out their nutty flavor.
- Use annatto oil to give the sauce its signature orange color.
- Cook the vegetables until they are soft but not mushy.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more water or peanut paste.
- Serve with a side of shrimp paste for added flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I use beef instead of oxtail and tripe? A: Yes, you can use beef as a substitute for oxtail and tripe. You can use beef chuck or beef short ribs.
Q: Can I use a different nut instead of peanuts? A: Yes, you can use cashew nuts or ground sesame seeds instead of peanuts.
Q: How long does it take to cook Kare-Kare? A: It takes around 2 to 3 hours to cook Kare-Kare, including boiling the oxtail and tripe until tender.
Q: Can I make Kare-Kare in advance? A: Yes, you can make Kare-Kare in advance and reheat it before serving.
Q: What can I serve with Kare-Kare? A: Kare-Kare is typically served with steamed rice and shrimp paste on the side.
Here is Kare-Kare cooked by celebrity chef Nadia Montenegro.
In conclusion, Kare-Kare is a delicious and flavorful stew that is easy to make at home. By following our recipe and tips, you can make a pot of Kare-Kare that is just as good as any you would find in a restaurant. Don’t be intimidated by the dish’s complexity, as it is a great meal for any special occasion or just a comforting dinner at home. Enjoy!
