Beef Mechado (beef casserole)

To complete the line up of Philippines “tomato casserole”, I’ll bring you Beef Mechado………This dish is the relative of Beef kaldereta(his brother), Pork Menudo (cousins), Chicken Afritada (might be nephews) and fish bacalao…I use the word “relatives” because it’s almost have the same ingredients and just have differences on the meat we’ve used. A popular dish in northern provinces especially in “fiesta” or feast of baranggays (small towns)…………………Did you know that in order to make this great recipe, you need to have lots of fresh tomatoes. Tomatoes are excellent source of lycopene. and lycopene may help prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis. Lycopene has even been found to have an inhibitory effect on cataract development and some rare cancer cells. Lycopene benefits are wide and varied and although some claim anti-ageing effects, many claims are unproven. It is wise though to include this your balanced diet…………

Ingredients: serves 4-6 persons

• 1.5 kl of Beef meat and bones
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 2 pcs potatoes (big diced)
• 1 pc carrots (big diced)
• 1 pc capsicum (big diced)
• 4 pcs tomato quartered
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1 med onions (sliced)
• 2 cups water
• 3 pcs bay leaf
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fish sauce(patis)
• chillies optional

Procedures:

• in a large sauce pan, place all ingredients except carrots & potatoes. bring to a boil using low heat for 45 minutes. (stirring every 5 minutes)
• when beef is half tender, pour in potatoes & carrots, chillies.
• Enjoy!!!

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Chamberlain (beef casserole)

Chamberlain…………The name was invented by my father-in-law. meaning in tagalog is “chamba chamba” or in english – lucky dish”. It is very similar to kalderetang baka as they have both almost the same ingredients with the absence of some major ingredients such as chicken liver or spread, sky flakes and more. That’s why I really love the culinary world. You can modify every kind of cuisine depending on your taste as long as you make your dish with love and loyalty. Do you agree?……………………Did you know that the main ingredients of my recipe for today is tomatoes? and tomatoes number one source of lycopene which act as a powerful antioxidant that fight cancer cells. And in addition, according to the some studies, daily consumption of tomatoes decreases the oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes. Also tomato helps in reducing the risk of developing hypertension………….

Ingredients: serves 4-6 persons

• 1 kl Beef brisket with bones (cut in serving size size)
• 3 pcs potatoes (big diced)
• 2 pc carrots (big diced)
• 3 pcs tomatoes chopped
• 1 large capsicum
• 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1 large onions (sliced)
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated cheese
• 2 tbsp fish sauce(patis)
• chillies optional

Procedures:

• in a large sauce pan, place all ingredients except carrots & potatoes. bring to a boil using low heat for 45 minutes. (stiring every 5 minutes)
• when beef is half tender, pour in potatoes & carrots, chillies
• check if beef is ready, seasoned with salt & pepper then add cheese before serving
• Enjoy!!!!!

Healthy Beef and Vegetable Casserole

Health is wealth…..This is a one dish meal made of beef and healthy selection of vegetables that include pumpkin, potato, celery, carrots & onions slow cooked to perfection. I intend to blend all the vegetables present in the recipe, it serves as a thick creamy sauce and best for kids who hardly eat vegetables, they can see the little ones, but not the “blended ones!!!. I would say my daughter are one of those, she always set aside on her plate every little piece of veggies, but this time, she can’t……Did you know that regular consumptions of pumpkin can boost your immune system and can help promote the health of your eyes because of its good source of vitamin A and Vitamin C.. 

Ingredients: good for 4-6 persons

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium sliced onions
• 1 cup carrots cubes
• 1 small potato cubes
• 1 stalk celery slice
• 1 kl beef brisket cut in serving portion
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup fresh cream
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp marjoram
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• 1 pc chopped chillies (optional)
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables(peas, carrots, corns, beans) –

Procedures:

• In a separate sauce pan, heat 2 tbsp oil and seared beef until brown. seasoned with salt & pepper, marjoram & thyme. add water and bring to a boil at low heat for 45 minutes or until beef is tender.
• in a separate pan, heat oil and saute onions and the rest of the vegetables. stir fry well then add 1/2 cup water and boil. Using a blender or food processor, blend saute vegetables then pout to seared beef and bring to a boil using low heat for another 5 minutes then topped with mixed vegetables. add fresh cream then serve hot.