Kaldereta or Caldereta is a Filipino dish that is made out of mutton, liver spread (similar to pate), cheese, capsicum, and chillies in a tomato based sauce. Though mutton is the primary choice of meat for this dish it is not restricted to it as beef and chicken can be used, the only difference is that muttons are used in special occasions and beef is for everyday home cooking. This recipe was inspired by the Spanish Caldereta which is a stew of fish or meat; it is where it got its name as well. The word Caldereta came from the word caldera or cauldron and it is the vessel where stews are cooked, in Philippines it is named as kaldero.
I guess this is the most popular hot and spicy stew in the Philippines, it is so popular every household have its own variation, some add carrots, some add cheese, others add green peas and potatoes but one thing remains the same it’s the beef or mutton cooked in a chilli infused tomato puree and liver spread. Traditional method uses beef or mutton neck bones or ribs as it give more flavour compared to other parts. A really good dish to start with if you want to learn and try Filipino recipes.
Ingredients
1 kg beef ribs, stewing beef or mutton, cubed
2 medium carrots, cubed
1 large red capsicum, sliced
1 1/2 cup green peas
1 large can tomato puree
3 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp liver spread, liver pate or beef liver puree
2-4 red birds eye chillies, sliced
2-3 cups beef stock
3 pcs bay leaves
1 red onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
black pepper
salt
oil
Method
1. On a pot, heat oil and sauté garlic until crispy golden brown. Remove from pot then set it aside.
2. Place onions on the pot and sauté until soft.
3. Add beef / mutton and brown on all sides.
4. Add beef stock and bay leaves, bring to a boil.
5. Add the tomato puree and carrots then simmer for 1 hour in very low heat or until meat is tender, add water if needed.
6. Add liver spread then continue to simmer for 15 more minutes.
7. Add tomato paste, bird’s eye chillies, capsicum and green peas then simmer for additional 15 minutes.
8. Season with freshly ground pepper and salt. Top with the fried garlic.
I imagine that the liver adds a subtle richness to the sauce. Is this dish typically eaten with rice?
when i cook caldereta i put a little peanut butter
I will definitely try that suggestion
Beef kaldereta is one of my favorite dishes!
The liver spread must really give it an additional layer of rich flavor and of course the slow cooking. Great little comfort dish. Take care, BAM
I think stew, in any part of the world, illicits the same feelings of comfort ~ a warm bowl of slow roasted meat and vegetables, MMM.
Yumm…looks really good.
That looks so good!
Interesting that either mutton or beef is stated, but lamb not used? Perhaps of the more mature taste of the older animal? Interesting concept to use liver alongside: I would use beef/calves liver puree to avoid the extra fats associated with any kind of pate . . . guess that is me again!
Yeah lamb is rarely used in Philippine cuisine thats why, thats also the reason why we find it gamey as our palates are not trained to it. Slowly I am now getting the hang of it
I added mine with potato and green pepper. Red pepper too if I had. It’s really sarap!