As a child, Edwin's mom told him, "If you want to eat, you should cook it yourself." And that's exactly what he's been doing ever since.

Kaldereta na Baka (Filipino Beef Stew)

Kaldereta comes from the word caldero, which is Spanish for a cauldron, or large metal pot, that is used to cook stews over an open fire. Baka is the Tagalog word for beef. Kalderetang baka is a Filipino beef stew with liver, vegetables, and spices.

Cook Time

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef brisket or bottom round roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 pound beef liver, pureed
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 potato, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large carrot, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup bottled Spanish pimento stuffed olives, available at Asian stores
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a pot, saute the garlic and onions in oil over medium heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until brown.
3. Add the tomato sauce and water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, until the meat is tender. Add more water if needed.
4. Add the pureed liver and cook for 4-5 minutes.
5. Add the potatoes and carrots and simmer for 5 more minutes.
6. Add the olives and cook for another 1 minute.
7. Season with salt and ground pepper as needed before serving.

Variations

• If you like spicy food, add your favorite chili peppers.
• Substitute liver spread for pureed liver.
• If using real liver, you can use pork or chicken livers, too.
• Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, green peas, etc.
• Use real tomatoes instead of tomato sauce.
• Canned beef broth can be used instead of water.
• To speed things up, you can cook the beef first in a pressure cooker for 30 minutes.

Pimento Stuffed Olives