Pocherong Baka
Article by: Andreana
Bulacan cuisine, particularly that of the Malolos area, is well-known for its substantial, flavorful dishes. It features regional ingredients and cooking techniques while heavily influenced by Spanish cuisines. "Pochero" is a moderate and pleasant Filipino stew that can also be served as a viand. [1] This would be fantastic with some freshly prepared rice. This article aims to go into the history and significance of this dish to Malolos rather than its cuisine fulfillment.
Origin
"Pochero," a type of stew originally from Spain, translating to Spanish, will give you a “stew pot,” which provides you with an idea of what kind of food Filipinos typically like. [2] It had a significant influence back then. Are you aware that one of the Philippines' most famous heroes' favorite foods is pochero? Marcelo H. Del Pilar, a Bulacan native and hero of the Philippine Revolution, is an avid fan of Pochero. [3] It is typically served on Sundays and is loved by the entire family. It also comes with a sauce or an eggplant salad. Several restaurants in Bulacan serve pochero, which has become a popular meal among Maloleños.
Aside from its delicious taste, one noteworthy feature of our pochero is the unique soft texture of its beef. The dish is more appealing and tempting when paired with fried bananas, potatoes, and garbanzos. [4] Its substantial and savory quality makes it a favorite among Filipinos, and it has been passed down through generations as a treasured family recipe. [5] In contrast to other stews, this one stands out due to the use of tender meat and a combination of fried potatoes, garbanzo beans, and bananas. The flavorful stew balances the other mix variants, making this meal an absolute must for anybody visiting Malolos, Bulacan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. beef chuck
- 1/2 head cabbage quartered
- 1 bunch bok choy pechay
- 12 long green beans
- 1 potato cubed
- 2 plantains or saba banana, sliced
- 3 chorizo de bilbao, sliced thinly
- 1 tomato diced
- 1 onion diced
- 2 tablespoons whole peppercorn
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 3 cloves garlic
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 3 cups water
- 15 ounces garbanzos
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Procedure
- In a pot, heat the oil and cook the banana till it gets golden brown. Set the bananas aside once finished.
- Fry the chorizo in the same pot until it browns on each side. Set aside after removing.
- Sauté the garlic, onion, and tomato in the remaining oil (add more if necessary).
- Once the onion and tomato have softened, add the beef. Continue to sauté the beef until the outside is light brown.
- Combine the fish sauce, tomato sauce, and whole peppercorn in a mixing bowl. Stir.
- Fill the container with water. Allow it to come to a boil. Simmer, covered, until the beef is soft. (A pressure cooker can also be used to tenderize the meat more quickly.)
- Replace the fried chorizo with the fried bananas in the pot. Add the potato and garbanzos as well. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Cook for 5 minutes after adding the cabbage and long green beans.
- Add the bok choy. Remove it from the heat. Cover the pot for 5 minutes (the remaining heat will cook the bok choy thoroughly).
- Place in a serving bowl. Serve immediately. Share and have fun![6]