Description

A healthier twist on the classic Filipino peanut stew, Kare-Kare,featuring lean protein, natural peanut butter, fresh vegetables, and homemade annatto oil for authentic flavor. This recipe is heart-healthy,easy to prepare, and perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 500g lean beef shank or ox tail (trimmed of excess fat)
• 6 cups water or homemade beef stock (unsalted)
• 2 tbsp annatto oil (homemade: 2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp annatto seeds, heated, then strained)
• 1 Medium onion (chopped)
• 4 Cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, no additives)
• 1/4 cup ground toasted rice (to thicken)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (low-sodium, optional)
• 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 Medium eggplant (sliced into rounds)
• 1 Bunch string beans (cut into 3-inch pieces)
• 1 Bunch pechay (bok choy, trimmed)
• 1/2 cup banana blossoms (optional, soaked and rinsed)
• 1 tbsp toasted crushed peanuts
• sautéed shrimp paste (for non-heart-healthy serving option, use sparingly)

Directions

1. 1
   Cook the Beef: In a large pot, bring water or unsalted beef stock to a boil. Add the trimmed beef shank or ox tail.
2. 2
   Lower the heat to simmer and cook for 60-90 minutes until tender, skimming off any impurities. Reserve the broth
3. 3
   Prepare the Annatto Oil: Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add annatto seeds and stir until the oil turns orange-red. Strain out the seeds and set the oil aside.
4. 4
   Make the Kare-Kare Base: In a large pan, heat the annatto oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
5. 5
   Add the cooked beef and stir to coat. Pour in 2 cups of the reserved broth.
6. 6
   Stir in natural peanut butter and ground toasted rice to thicken the sauce. Mix until smooth and creamy
7. 7
   Season with fish sauce (optional), sea salt, and black pepper to taste.
8. 8
   Cook the Vegetables: Steam or blanch eggplant, string beans, and pechay until tender but still crisp. Set aside.
9. 9
   Add banana blossoms (if using) to the simmering Kare-Kare for 2-3 minutes.
10. 10
    Assemble and Serve: Arrange the cooked vegetables on a large serving platter. Pour the Kare-Kare sauce with beef over the vegetables.
11. 11
    Garnish with crushed peanuts and serve hot.