This slow-simmered Filipino beef stew gets a rich and creamy twist with heavy cream and Cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting dish with familiar, yet bold flavours.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Equipment
Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board & knife
Cheese grater
Vegetable peeler
Ingredients
1 ½ lb (680 g) diced stewing beef
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt
1/2 tsp (2 ml) pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
1 onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/3 cup (75 ml) tomato paste
1/4 cup (60 ml) liver spread
2 tbsp (30 ml) fish sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
3 cups (750 ml) low-sodium beef broth
2 bay leaves
3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 red pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup (125 ml) fresh or frozen peas
1/4 cup (60 ml) 35% whipping cream
1 cup (500 ml) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Directions
Season beef with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, in a large pot set over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Stir in the beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until starting to brown. Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in tomato paste and liver spread and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant and starting to caramelize. Stir in beef broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, and bay leaves, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 to 55 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
Stir in potatoes and carrots. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Stir in peppers, peas, 35% cream, and ½ cup (125 ml) Cheddar cheese, until cheese is melted.
To serve, transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup (125 ml) Cheddar cheese, and serve with steamed rice.
Tips
For a bit of a kick, stir in sliced chilis along with the peas in Step 3.
Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack cheese or mozzarella cheese.
A classic Filipino Embutido gets a comforting upgrade with pockets of Cheddar cheese tucked into its sweet and savoury meat filling. It’s a nostalgic favourite that’s great for any night, or at large gatherings.
Halo-halo, which translates to “mix-mix” is a Filipino-style shaved ice made with sweetened beans, fruits, and jellies and topped with milk, Leche flan, purple yam jam, and ice cream.