Filipino Beef Giniling (Afritada Style) Recipe

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon oil (or as needed)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cups water, divided (or more as needed)
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 2 medium red potatoes, cubed
• 10 baby carrots (or more to taste), cubed
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
• cup raisins (or more to taste)
• 1 (6.5 ounce) cans tomato sauce with salt (such as Contadina)
• medium orange bell pepper, diced
• 4 tablespoons white sugar

Directions:

1. Gather all ingredients before beginning to cook.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cup water to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with black pepper, and add more water if needed to prevent the beef from drying out.
4. Add the cubed potatoes, carrots, and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, and add more water if the mixture becomes too dry.
5. Stir in the raisins and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Again, add more water as necessary.
6. Pour in one can of tomato sauce. Fill the empty can with water, swirl it to remove any remaining sauce, and pour it into the pan. Stir in the remaining can of tomato sauce and adjust with more water to achieve a saucy, but not soupy, consistency.
7. Add the diced bell pepper, sugar, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
8. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, and add water as necessary to prevent the sauce from drying out. Cook until all vegetables are tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	488	-
Total Fat	26g	33%
Saturated Fat	10g	49%
Cholesterol	93mg	31%
Sodium	1332mg	58%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	13%
Dietary Fiber	3g	11%
Total Sugars	20g	-
Protein	29g	57%
Vitamin C	11mg	13%
Calcium	44mg	3%
Iron	4mg	24%
Potassium	1009mg	21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History

Beef Giniling, a popular Filipino dish, traces its roots to the country's long history of diverse cultural influences, particularly Spanish and Chinese cuisine. The word "giniling" refers to ground meat, often beef or pork, cooked with a variety of vegetables, raisins, and tomato sauce. The Filipino Beef Giniling (Afritada Style) is a unique version of this dish, incorporating more typical afritada flavors, such as the combination of soy sauce, sugar, and tomato. Historically, afritada-style dishes were influenced by the Spanish introduction of stews and tomato-based sauces during their colonial rule, and they have been adapted into many Filipino kitchens ever since.

Regional Variations

Filipino Beef Giniling is popular across the entire archipelago, but different regions put their own twist on the dish. In some provinces, it's common to add local ingredients like green peas, sweet potatoes, or even pineapple. For instance, in the Visayas region, you might find variations that incorporate more vinegar for a tangy finish, reflecting the area's culinary tendencies towards bold, tart flavors. Meanwhile, in northern Luzon, its not unusual for the dish to feature a bit more of a savory, hearty flavor with the addition of liver paste or other offal, a hallmark of their rich cooking traditions.

How It Differs from Other Filipino Dishes

Although Beef Giniling (Afritada Style) shares similarities with other Filipino dishes, such as Menudo and Kaldereta, it stands out in a few ways. Unlike Kaldereta, which often features beef chunks and a heavier tomato-based sauce, Giniling uses ground beef, making it quicker to cook and giving it a different texture. It also differentiates itself from Menudo, which traditionally includes pork and has a more robust spice profile, as it relies on the subtle sweetness of the raisins and sugar to balance the flavors. The addition of vegetables like potatoes and carrots also gives Giniling a more hearty and homely feel, making it a comfort food for many Filipino families.

Common Places to Serve Beef Giniling

Beef Giniling (Afritada Style) is commonly served in Filipino homes for lunch or dinner, often accompanied by steamed white rice. This dish is a staple for family gatherings, special occasions, or even simple weeknight meals, thanks to its versatility and comforting taste. Its also a favorite in Filipino restaurants worldwide, particularly those that serve home-style cooking. In addition to being a family favorite, Giniling is frequently found in local markets and food stalls, where its often served as a satisfying and affordable meal option.

Interesting Facts

• The use of raisins in Beef Giniling is a nod to Filipino's love for incorporating sweet and savory flavors in their cooking.
• Though typically made with beef, Giniling can also be prepared with ground pork, chicken, or even mixed meats depending on personal preference and availability.
• Giniling is often used as a filling for empanadas or a topping for rice cakes like bibingka, showcasing its versatility in Filipino cuisine.
• The dish's roots in Spanish colonial influence are apparent in its use of tomatoes and stews, which were common in Spanish cooking.
• While some regional versions of Giniling add a touch of soy sauce and vinegar, the Afritada Style of Giniling emphasizes a sweeter flavor profile, thanks to the sugar and raisins.

Conclusion

Filipino Beef Giniling (Afritada Style) is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the rich history of Filipino cuisine with a delightful mix of savory and sweet ingredients. Whether you're cooking it for a special occasion or a cozy family meal, this dish offers a delicious taste of the Philippines' unique culinary traditions. With its tender beef, colorful vegetables, and subtle sweetness, it's easy to see why this dish is loved by many around the world.

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