Filipino Menudo with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, peeled and cubed 2 carrots, peeled and cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 chili peppers, sliced (adjust according to desired spiciness) 2 chili peppers, sliced (adjust according to desired spiciness)
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) pork broth 1 cup (240ml) pork broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the pork cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the tomatoes and cook until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Add the tomato sauce, pork broth, soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaf, and chili peppers. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour or until the pork is tender.
6. 6.
   Add the potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve hot with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — Choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder for tender and juicy meat.
• Chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your preferred level of spiciness. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
• Tomato sauce — Opt for a high-quality tomato sauce to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, marinate the pork cubes in soy sauce and vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for an added burst of freshness.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Serve with a side of steamed white rice to complement the flavors of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Filipino Menudo hot with a generous portion of steamed rice. The combination of the savory and spicy flavors of the dish pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Menudo with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the aromatic herbs will make the dish visually appealing and inviting.