Authentic Filipino Pochero Recipe: A Hearty Stew for Any Occasion

Ingredients

  • 1 kg pork belly, cut into large pieces
  • 4 pieces ripe plantains, sliced
  • 1 can chickpeas (garbanzos), drained
  • 1 bundle of bok choy (pechay)
  • 1 medium-sized cabbage, quartered
  • 4 pieces potatoes, quartered
  • 1 piece chorizo de bilbao, sliced
  • 1 piece onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorn
  • 2 pieces beef broth cubes
  • 2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
  • 4 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons cooking oil
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot.
  2. Add the pork belly pieces and cook until the color turns light brown.
  3. Add the chorizo de bilbao slices and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the onion and garlic. Continue to cook until the onion softens.
  5. Add the tomato sauce, whole peppercorn, and beef broth cubes. Stir until well combined.
  6. Add the water and let it boil. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until the pork becomes tender.
  7. Add the plantains and potatoes. Continue to cook for 8 to 10 minutes.
  8. Add the chickpeas and cabbage. Cover the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
  9. Add the bok choy and cook for 3 minutes more.
  10. Season with salt to taste. Stir gently.
  11. Turn off the heat and transfer to a serving plate.
  12. Serve hot and enjoy your Pochero!

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and allow for simmering.
  • Cooking oil - Any type of cooking oil suitable for frying and sautéing.
  • Chopping board - A flat surface used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting and slicing various ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon - A long-handled spoon made of wood, ideal for stirring and mixing.
  • Tongs - Useful for flipping and handling the pork pieces while cooking.
  • Measuring spoons - A set of spoons used for precise measurement of ingredients.
  • Can opener - A tool for safely opening canned chickpeas and tomato sauce.
  • Serving plate - A plate or dish used for presenting and serving the Pochero.

Recipe variations

  • Use beef instead of pork
  • Replace the pork with chicken for a lighter version
  • Add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs such as bay leaves, paprika, or thyme
  • Try using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian option
  • Substitute the plantains with sweet potatoes or butternut squash
  • Add a spicy kick by including chili peppers or hot sauce
  • Include other protein sources like tofu or seitan for a meat-free option
  • For a seafood twist, add shrimp or fish fillets
  • Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy flavor

Recipe overview

Pochero is a hearty and flavorful Filipino stew that is sure to win over your taste buds. This dish is packed with pork belly, plantains, potatoes, cabbage, and chickpeas, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served piping hot. The addition of chorizo de bilbao gives this stew a unique, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the plantains and the tender pork belly. The process of making Pochero is simple and straightforward, but the result is a complex blend of tastes and textures that make it a standout. Whether you're making this for a family dinner or a special occasion, Pochero is a dish that is sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different meat instead of pork belly? Yes, you can use other meats like beef or chicken for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
  2. Can I omit the chorizo de bilbao? If you don't have chorizo de bilbao or prefer not to use it, you can omit it from the recipe. The dish will still be delicious without it.
  3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce. Simply blanch and peel the tomatoes, then dice them before adding to the pot. Adjust the quantity to your preference.
  4. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Pochero is a flexible dish, and you can add other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or bell peppers according to your taste. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Pochero by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth or stock instead of beef broth cubes. Add a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, cabbage, beans, and bell peppers to make it hearty and flavorful.
  6. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe to a slow cooker. Brown the meat and chorizo in a pan, then transfer them along with the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - A large pot is needed to cook the Pochero and accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Cooking Spoon - A cooking spoon is necessary for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Chopping Board - You'll need a chopping board to cut the vegetables and meat.
  • Knife - A knife is essential for cutting the meat, vegetables, and other ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are helpful for accurately measuring the amount of water and other liquids.
  • Serving Plate - A serving plate is needed to present and serve the cooked Pochero.
  • Tongs - Tongs are useful for handling and serving the hot ingredients.
  • Soup Ladle - A soup ladle is handy for scooping the Pochero broth and serving it.
  • Plates and Utensils - Plates and utensils are required for serving the Pochero to individual servings.

Origin stories

Pochero is a hearty and filling stew that has its roots in Spanish cuisine, a testament to Spain's colonial influence in the Philippines. As the name suggests, it was originally a peasant dish cooked in a "puchero" or pot. The Filipinos embraced this dish but gave it their own spin, using local ingredients such as plantains, bok choy, and pork belly. The Filipino version of Pochero is a distinct blend of flavors, with the sweetness of ripe plantains contrasting with the savory taste of pork, chorizo, and a tomato-based broth. It's a beloved dish often served during fiestas and family gatherings, symbolizing the Filipino trait of "Bayanihan" or a communal unity and cooperation.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.