Nilagang buto buto, also known as peanut stew, is a popular Filipino dish that originated in the province of Pampanga. This hearty stew is made with ox tripe, vegetables, and peanuts, which gives it a rich and flavorful broth. In this article, we will guide you on how to cook nilagang buto buto, a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients used in nilagang buto buto. The main ingredient in this dish is ox tripe, which is the lining of a cow’s stomach. Ox tripe is a good source of protein and is low in fat, making it a popular choice for those looking for a healthier meat option.
In addition to ox tripe, nilagang buto buto also includes a variety of vegetables such as onions, garlic, ginger, and bok choy. These vegetables add flavor and texture to the dish, making it a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
Peanuts are also a key ingredient in nilagang buto buto. Peanuts are a good source of protein and healthy fats, and they add a rich and creamy texture to the stew.
When it comes to choosing the right type of ox tripe for nilagang buto buto, there are a few things to consider. The first thing to look for is the type of tripe. There are two main types of tripe: green tripe and bleached tripe. Green tripe is the lining of the cow’s stomach that has not been treated with bleach or other chemicals. This type of tripe is considered to be of higher quality and has a more natural flavor.
Bleached tripe, on the other hand, has been treated with bleach or other chemicals to remove any impurities. This type of tripe is often less expensive than green tripe, but it may have a less natural flavor.
In addition to the type of tripe, it’s also important to consider the cut of the tripe. The most common cuts of tripe are the honeycomb cut and the smooth cut. The honeycomb cut is the most popular choice for nilagang buto buto, as it has a more textured surface that holds onto the flavors of the stew.
Before you can start cooking nilagang buto buto, you need to prepare the ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the ingredients:
The first step in preparing the ingredients is to clean the ox tripe. To do this, rinse the tripe under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, soak the tripe in a large pot of water for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the tripe again under cold running water.
Once the tripe is clean, you can start chopping the vegetables. Chop the onions, garlic, and ginger into small pieces and set them aside. You will also need to chop the bok choy into small pieces, but you can do this just before adding it to the stew.
To add a rich and creamy texture to the stew, you will need to grind the peanuts. You can use a food processor or blender to grind the peanuts into a fine paste.
Now that the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to start cooking the nilagang buto buto. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook the stew:
The first step in cooking the nilagang buto buto is to brown the ox tripe. To do this, heat a large pot over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ox tripe and cook until it is browned on all sides.
Once the tripe is browned, you can add the aromatics. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger to the pot and cook until they are softened.
After the aromatics are softened, you can add the peanuts and broth to the pot. Add the ground peanuts and pour in enough broth to cover the tripe. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour.
After the stew has simmered for at least 1 hour, you can add the vegetables. Add the chopped bok choy to the pot and cook until it is tender.
Once the nilagang buto buto is cooked, it’s time to serve it. Here are a few tips for serving the stew:
Nilagang buto buto is typically served with steamed rice. To serve, place a scoop of steamed rice on a plate, then ladle the stew over the top.
To add a burst of fresh flavor to the stew, you can squeeze a slice of fresh lime juice over the top. This will help to balance out the richness of the peanuts and tripe.
To add a pop of color to the dish, you can garnish the stew with fresh cilantro. Simply chop the cilantro leaves and sprinkle them over the top of the stew.
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the perfect nilagang buto buto:
To reduce the cooking time of the stew, you can use a pressure cooker. Simply brown the tripe and cook the aromatics, then add the peanuts and broth to the pressure cooker. Cook the stew for 30 minutes, then let the pressure release before serving.
To add more flavor and texture to the stew, you can add other vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Simply chop the vegetables and add them to the pot along with the bok choy.
To change up the flavor of the stew, you can use different types of nuts such as almonds or cashews. Simply grind the nuts into a fine paste and add them to the stew along with the peanuts.
Nilagang buto buto is a hearty and flavorful Filipino stew that is made with ox tripe, vegetables, and peanuts. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make a delicious and authentic nilagang buto buto that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to try or just want to learn more about Filipino cuisine, nilagang buto buto is a dish that is definitely worth trying.
What is Nilagang Buto Buto?
Nilagang Buto Buto is a popular Filipino dish that originated in the province of Batangas. It is a type of nilaga, which is a Filipino term for boiled food, and buto-buto refers to the pork neck bones or pork bones with marrow that are used as the main ingredient in the dish.
The dish is a hearty and comforting meal that is made by boiling the pork bones in a flavorful broth with various vegetables such as cabbage, pechay, and potatoes. The resulting soup is rich and savory, with a deliciously tender texture from the pork bones and marrow.
What are the ingredients needed to cook Nilagang Buto Buto?
The ingredients needed to cook Nilagang Buto Buto include pork neck bones or pork bones with marrow, vegetables such as cabbage, pechay, and potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, fish sauce or patis, salt, and black pepper. You can also add other vegetables such as tomatoes, bok choy, or spinach to the dish if desired.
You will also need a large pot to boil the pork bones and vegetables in, as well as a strainer or cheesecloth to strain the broth and remove any impurities. You can also add other seasonings or spices to the dish to suit your taste.
How do I prepare the pork bones for cooking?
To prepare the pork bones for cooking, you will need to clean and wash them thoroughly under running water. You can also soak the pork bones in water for about 30 minutes to remove any impurities or blood.
After cleaning and washing the pork bones, you can blanch them in boiling water for about 5-10 minutes to remove any excess fat or impurities. This step is optional but it can help to make the broth clearer and more flavorful.
How long does it take to cook Nilagang Buto Buto?
The cooking time for Nilagang Buto Buto can vary depending on the size and type of pork bones used, as well as the desired level of tenderness. Generally, it can take about 1-2 hours to cook the pork bones until they are tender and the marrow is soft.
You can also cook the dish in a pressure cooker, which can reduce the cooking time to about 30-45 minutes. However, cooking the dish in a regular pot can result in a more flavorful and tender broth.
Can I add other ingredients to Nilagang Buto Buto?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to Nilagang Buto Buto to suit your taste. Some common additions to the dish include other vegetables such as tomatoes, bok choy, or spinach, as well as other seasonings or spices such as bay leaves, peppercorns, or chili peppers.
You can also add other proteins such as pork, beef, or chicken to the dish if desired. However, be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly to ensure that the added ingredients are cooked through and the broth is flavorful.
How do I serve Nilagang Buto Buto?
Nilagang Buto Buto is typically served hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a squeeze of calamansi or lime juice. You can also serve the dish with steamed rice or other side dishes such as fried fish or grilled meat.
The dish is best served immediately after cooking, while the broth is still hot and the pork bones are tender. You can also refrigerate or freeze the dish for later use, but be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Is Nilagang Buto Buto a healthy dish?
Nilagang Buto Buto can be a healthy dish if cooked and prepared properly. The pork bones and marrow are rich in protein and collagen, which can be beneficial for joint health and digestion.
However, the dish can also be high in fat and sodium, especially if you add a lot of salt or patis to the broth. To make the dish healthier, you can use low-sodium seasonings and reduce the amount of fat used in cooking. You can also add more vegetables to the dish to increase the nutrient content.