KARI-KARE (MEAT AND VEGETABLE STEW IN PEANUT SAUCE)

Steps:

• Place hocks or oxtail pieces in a large pot.
• Add enough water to cover.
• Bring to boil, lower heat and simmer for 1-1/2 hours or until tender.
• If using achute water, soak 1 tablespoon of achute seeds in water for 30 minutes.
• Squeeze seeds between your thumb and finger tips until the water turns red.
• Strain and set red water aside.
• OR Heat 2 tablespoons oil, saute achute seeds in oil until oil turns red, discard seeds.
• Use oil for sauteing rest of ingredients.
• Heat oil in a skillet and saute garlic and onions.
• Add cooked meat and 2 cups of the broth.
• (Save the rest of the broth for other uses.) Add salt and achute water.
• Simmer for 15 minutes.
• Stir in peanut butter and toasted rice powder, bring back to simmer cook, stirring for 5 minutes.
• Add green beans and eggplant.
• Cook 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
• Correct the seasonings.
• Serve with hot rice and bagoong, plain or sauteed.