Ingredients:
- For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (beef shank or chuck), cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup liver spread (optional, for authentic flavor)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- For the Peanut Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Cielo’s Peanut Butter
- 1/4 cup peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/4 cup water (or beef broth for richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
- In a large pot, combine the beef stew meat, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onion, and black pepper. Let it marinate for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the marinated beef mixture and cook until the beef starts to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the beef broth (or water), cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
3. Make the Peanut Butter Sauce:
- While the beef is cooking, in a separate pan, heat the peanut oil over medium heat. Add the Cielo’s Peanut Butter and stir until it softens and becomes aromatic.
- Slowly add the water (or beef broth) while stirring to make a smooth sauce. You can also add a little sugar for sweetness, and Worcestershire sauce for additional flavor. Stir until the peanut butter is fully incorporated, creating a creamy, slightly thick sauce. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a separate pan, fry the potato and carrot slices until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain and set aside.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
- Once the beef is tender, add the tomato paste to the pot and stir well. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the fried potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green peas to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Pour in the peanut butter sauce and stir gently to coat the meat and vegetables in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve:
- Once everything is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve the Caldereta with steamed rice and enjoy!
The addition of Cielo’s Peanut Butter creates a creamy, nutty undertone that enriches the traditional Caldereta, adding a unique twist to this savory Filipino classic.