Menudo is a flavorful and hearty Filipino stew made with diced pork and liver in a savory, tangy tomato-based sauce. A popular home-cooked dish, menudo is known for its unique blend of textures and its balance of savory, slightly sweet flavors. The dish begins with a base of garlic, onions, and tomatoes, which are sautéed to create a rich, flavorful foundation. Traditionally, pork shoulder or belly is used, cut into small, bite-sized cubes, along with pork liver, which adds depth and a subtle earthiness to the dish.

The stew includes diced potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, which not only add texture and color but also enhance the dish's sweetness. Some recipes include green peas or raisins for a sweet touch that contrasts with the savory sauce. The tomato-based sauce, made with tomato paste or tomato sauce, provides the signature red hue and tangy flavor, often deepened with soy sauce or fish sauce and seasoned with bay leaves.

Menudo is typically served with steamed white rice, making it a comforting and satisfying meal often enjoyed in Filipino households, family gatherings, and celebrations.

Ingredients:

For the pork and marinade:

500g pork belly or pork shoulder,cubed

1/2 cup calamansi juice (or lemonjuice)

1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground black pepper

For the menudo:

200g pork liver, cubed (optionalbut traditional)

3 tbsp cooking oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

2 medium potatoes, diced

2 medium carrots, diced

1 small red bell pepper, diced

1 small green bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup green peas

1/2 cup raisins (optional, forsweetness)

2 cups tomato sauce

1 cup water or pork broth

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp fish sauce (patis)

1 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

Marinate the Pork:

Combine the pork cubes, calamansijuice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30minutes or up to 2 hours for better flavor.

Prepare the Ingredients:

While the pork marinates, preparethe vegetables by peeling and dicing the potatoes and carrots. Chop the bellpeppers and tomatoes, and cube the liver if using.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat oil in a large pan or potover medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and softened. Addthe tomatoes and cook until softened and juicy.

Cook the Pork:

Add the marinated pork to the panand cook until lightly browned. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add Liquids and Liver:

Pour in the tomato sauce, soysauce, and water or pork broth. Stir well, then add the pork liver if using.Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pork is tender.

Cook the Vegetables:

Add the potatoes, carrots, greenpeas, and raisins. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender. Add thebell peppers last, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to retain their color andcrunch.

Season and Adjust:

Season with fish sauce and sugar.Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serve:

Remove from heat and serve hotwith steamed rice.

Enjoy your classic Filipino menudo!

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