Beef Mechado

Mechado is a famous beef stew here in the Philippines. This originated from a Spanish recipe called Mecha. A recipe whose name originally referred to the strips of pork back-fat that are threaded through thick pieces of cheaper lean beef to render them more tender and less dry.-wiki-

It involves a boiling process in order to get the right texture and softness of the beef. Similar procedure is also being used for other beef recipes such as Kaldereta and Lengua.

On the personal side of this recipe, it was first time to actually cook it. I was a little hesitant without my mom instructing or helping me. But then...I thought...if I can cook Kaldereta, why not Mechado. And so I based it on my mom's recipe of Kaldereta and added soy sauce, vinegar and bay leaf. My first Mechado attempt was a big success.

What you will be needing:

1/2 K beef cubes (beef stew)

200g tomato sauce

5 cloves of garlic chopped

1 medium onion (chopped)

1/2 tsp ground black pepper/ 1/2 tsp peppercorns

5 medium potatoes (cut into quarters)

1 medium carrot (cut into quarters)

2 medium green or red bellpeppers ( cut into quarters)

4-5 pieces of bay leaf

1tbsp soy sauce (1/2 tbsp fish sauce)

1/2 tsp vinegar

salt to taste

2 tbsps. olive oil

How To:

Others would marinate the beef in soy sauce and calamansi juice.

1.In a sauce pan, boil beef until soft & tender. Then set aside.

note: traditional boiling of meat may take 3-4 hours. If you know an easier way, I advise you rely on your trusted procedure. PressureCooking is an option.

2.Fry potatoes, in a separate pan,then set aside.
3.In a separate pan (again) saute garlic until medium brown. Add chopped onions, stir for a few seconds.

4.Add boiled beef (beef only)

5.Add carrots, keep stirring for a few seconds.

6. Add half of the beef broth.

7. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

8.Add bay leaf and tomato sauce. Simmer for a few more minutes.

9. Add the remaining beef broth, soy sauce, vinegar and fried potatoes.

10. Simmer until sauce is thick.

11.Add bellpepper

12. Add salt and pepper to taste

Sevings: 3-4

Served best with hot rice! Happy eating!

& Have a yummy weekend!