Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure to the beautiful islands of Visayas and Mindanao in the Philippines? Prepare to indulge in the flavors of Balbacua, a delightful Filipino dish that combines the best of Pochero and Kare Kare. Let me guide you through a simpler, basic version of this savory stew, perfect for whipping up at home. But be warned, it will take time and patience to achieve the perfect tenderness in our cow trotters. Are you up for the challenge?
Exploring the World of Balbacua
While there are many variations of Balbacua across the country, we’ll focus on a stripped-down version that still boasts incredible flavors. You may have encountered the Cebu-style Balbacua, which includes peanuts and a hint of sweetness from pineapple juice, making it reminiscent of Kare Kare. Our version, however, relies on the richness of tomato sauce to add depth and a milder flavor.
More Pinoy Soup Recipes
If you’re like me and enjoy warm and comforting meals, let me share a few more hearty soup recipes that are perfect for those chilly days. These dishes will not only warm your soul but also energize you for your daily activities.
Nilagang Baka With Kalabasa
Similar to Balbacua, Nilagang Baka With Kalabasa combines the goodness of vegetables and meat. This hearty dish will satisfy your hunger and invigorate your body. The use of fish sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, making it a beloved Filipino classic.
Spicy Sotanghon Chicken Soup
Craving a meal with a kick of natural heat? Look no further than Spicy Sotanghon Chicken Soup. Combining lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and Thai chili pepper, this savory and appetizing soup is a surefire way to warm up on those chilly days. Best of all, it only takes 45 minutes to prepare, making it a convenient option when time is of the essence.
Cansi
Originating from Visayas, Cansi is a fantastic dinner dish for the whole family. With beef shank as the star ingredient, Cansi shares similarities with both Sinigang and Bulalo. The sharpness from Sinigang seasonings and the kick of spice in the broth create a symphony of flavors. Don’t forget to savor the unique taste of unripe jackfruit in this delightful dish.
How to Cook Balbacua
Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and learn how to create our own Balbacua masterpiece. This delicious stew not only provides a mix of flavorful vegetables but also offers the added benefit of collagen from the cow trotters, great for boosting your immune system and enhancing your skin’s health.
1. Sautéing garlic, ginger, and onion together
To kickstart the flavor profile of Balbacua, we’ll begin by sautéing 3 tablespoons of cooking oil, chopped onion, crushed ginger, and crushed garlic in a pan. Once the onion softens, set this aromatic blend aside.
2. Getting the cow trotters soft
In a cooking pot, combine 5 lbs. of cow trotters, 10 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 bunch of lemongrass (cut the white part into 4-inch pieces). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Allow the stew to simmer for approximately 3 hours, or until the meat and trotter fibers become tender.
3. Adding more seasonings
Remove the lemongrass from the pot and sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of annatto powder. Add the sautéed aromatics (onion, garlic, and ginger) along with 3 tablespoons of salted black beans and 1 Knorr Beef Cube. Let the flavors mingle for 30 minutes.
Next, incorporate 3 Jalapeno peppers, 1 sliced bell pepper, and 1 bunch of green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces). Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust the taste to your preference by adding fish sauce or salt.
Serve your Balbacua in a bowl and savor it while it’s irresistibly hot!
Has this Balbacua recipe inspired you to explore more Filipino dishes? Discover the best and most unique flavors of Pinoy cuisine on the Ekilove website! Feel free to scroll through our collection of Panlasang Pinoy recipes and embark on a culinary journey you won’t forget.
