Kare-kare

Traditional Filipino stew made with peanut sauce

Kare-kare is a traditional Filipino dish known for its rich and savory peanut sauce. It is a type of stew that is often served during special occasions and gatherings. The dish is characterized by its thick, creamy sauce made from ground peanuts, and it typically includes a variety of meats and vegetables.

Ingredients

Kare-kare is traditionally made with a variety of ingredients that contribute to its unique flavor and texture. The main components include:

• Meat: Commonly used meats include oxtail, pork hock, tripe, and sometimes beef. These meats are slow-cooked until tender.
• Vegetables: Typical vegetables used in kare-kare are eggplant, banana heart, string beans, and bok choy.
• Peanut Sauce: The sauce is made from ground peanuts or peanut butter, which gives the dish its distinctive flavor. It is often thickened with toasted rice flour.
• Bagoong: A side of bagoong, or fermented shrimp paste, is usually served with kare-kare to enhance its flavor.

Preparation

The preparation of kare-kare involves several steps to ensure the meat is tender and the sauce is flavorful:

1. Cooking the Meat: The chosen meat is boiled until tender. This process can take several hours, especially for tougher cuts like oxtail and tripe. 2. Preparing the Sauce: Ground peanuts or peanut butter is combined with toasted rice flour to create a thick sauce. This mixture is then simmered with the meat broth to develop its flavor. 3. Adding Vegetables: Vegetables are added towards the end of the cooking process to ensure they remain crisp and vibrant. 4. Final Assembly: The cooked meat and vegetables are combined with the peanut sauce, and the dish is simmered until all the flavors meld together.

Kare-kare served with rice and bagoong

Serving

Kare-kare is traditionally served with a side of steamed rice and a small dish of bagoong. The bagoong adds a salty and umami contrast to the rich and nutty flavor of the stew. It is common to mix a small amount of bagoong into the kare-kare before eating.

Cultural Significance

Kare-kare is a beloved dish in the Philippines, often associated with family gatherings and celebrations. It is a staple in many Filipino households and is frequently featured in fiestas and special occasions. The dish's origins are believed to be influenced by various cultures, including Spanish, Indian, and Malay, reflecting the diverse culinary heritage of the Philippines.

Variations

While the traditional version of kare-kare uses oxtail and tripe, there are several variations that cater to different preferences:

• Seafood Kare-kare: This version uses seafood such as shrimp, squid, and mussels instead of meat.
• Vegetarian Kare-kare: A meatless version that focuses on vegetables and sometimes includes tofu as a protein substitute.
• Chicken Kare-kare: Uses chicken as the main protein, offering a lighter alternative to the traditional beef or pork.

A bowl of kare-kare with vegetables

Related pages

• Filipino cuisine
• Bagoong
• Oxtail
• Peanut sauce