FILIPINO-STYLE STEWED BEEF BRISKET KALDERETA
Around the World with Beef
Growing up in a Filipino household, food definitely held pride of place. It was the centrepiece of every family gathering, big or small, and cooking a meal for loved ones was the ultimate expression of care and respect.
Traditional dishes were a soulful connection to the Philippines as Mama and I established a new sense of home here in Canada. Invariably, her Beef Kaldereta was one of my favourites.
Brisket is the cut of choice for this hearty, flavourful stew, slowly simmered in a tomato-based broth with potatoes, carrots, and sweet peppers. Olives and peas were Mama's finishing flourish. Served over a mountain of white rice, Beef Kaldereta feels like a warm hug in a bowl whenever I eat it, and it always reminds me of Mom. That's why it was especially important for me to pass this recipe along to my son Noah. We've been cooking together since he could stand on a chair at the kitchen counter—over the years, it's been so special teaching him how to prepare the dishes that were such an important part of my childhood.
Now that he's grown and flown, the time Noah and I spend together in the kitchen is even more precious, carrying on a delicious Filipino legacy of love.
Game to give Beef Kaldereta a try? Check out https://thinkbeef.ca/around-the-world-with-beef/ for this and more flavourful recipes from around the world. Pro tip: Five minutes before serving, add 1 cup of frozen peas and 1½ cups pimiento-stuffed or garlic-stuffed olives to the pot and stir to combine.