Kare Kare

Ingredients:

    3 lbs oxtail (cut in 2 inch slices)
    1 small banana flower bud (sliced)
    1 bundle of pechay or bok choy
    1 bundle of string beans (cut into 2 inch slices)
    4 pcs eggplants (sliced)
    1 cup ground peanuts
    1/2 cup peanut butter
    1/2 cup shrimp paste
    34 Ounces water (about 1 Liter)
    1/2 cup annatto seeds (soaked in a cup of water)
    1/2 cup toasted ground rice
    1 tbsp garlic, minced
    1 large onion, chopped
    salt and pepper

Directions:

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil
2. Put in the oxtail followed by the onions and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hrs or until tender (35 minutes if using a pressure cooker)
3. Once the meat is tender, add the ground peanuts, peanut butter, and coloring (water from the annatto seed mixture) and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes
4. Add the toasted ground rice and simmer for 5 minutes
5. On a separate pan, saute the garlic then add the banana flower, eggplant, and string beans and cook for 5 minutes
6. Transfer the cooked vegetables to the large pot (where the rest of the ingredients are)
7. Add salt and pepper to taste
8. Serve hot with shrimp paste. Enjoy!