Authentic and Savory Lengua Guisada Recipe: A Traditional Filipino Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 beef tongue (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 8 cups of water
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon of whole peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 large bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 cup of tomato sauce
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into cubes
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into cubes
  • 1/2 cup of green olives, pitted
  • 1/2 cup of frozen green peas
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the beef tongue in a large pot along with the water, quartered onion, crushed garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the tongue is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Add more water if necessary during cooking.
  3. Remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the outer layer of the tongue and discard. Slice the tongue into thin pieces.
  4. In a separate large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the pepper is soft.
  5. Add the chopped tomato to the pan and cook until it starts to break down.
  6. Add the sliced tongue to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables. Cook for a few minutes until the tongue is browned.
  7. Add the tomato sauce, water, potatoes, and carrots to the pan. Stir to combine, then cover and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  8. Add the green olives, green peas, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until all the flavors are well combined.
  9. Transfer the lengua guisada to a serving dish and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the beef tongue
  • Large pan - for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the lengua guisada
  • Knife - for slicing the beef tongue and chopping vegetables
  • Cutting board - for safely cutting and preparing ingredients
  • Fork - to test the tenderness of the tongue
  • Measuring cups - for precise measurements of water, tomato sauce, and soy sauce
  • Wooden spoon - for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan
  • Serving dish - to present and serve the finished lengua guisada

Recipe variations

  • Substitute beef tongue with beef stew meat or beef cubes
  • Add diced jalapenos or chili peppers for a spicy kick
  • Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor
  • Replace the potatoes with sweet potatoes or butternut squash
  • Include additional vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or green beans
  • Add a splash of red wine or vinegar for tanginess
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, or oregano
  • Make it vegetarian by using seitan or tempeh instead of the beef tongue
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce
  • Try serving the lengua guisada over rice or with warm tortillas

Recipe overview

Indulge in the hearty and flavorful Lengua Guisada, a popular Filipino dish that will surely elevate your dining experience. This recipe brings together tender beef tongue cooked in a savory tomato sauce, mixed with a medley of vegetables. Expect a burst of flavors from various ingredients like bell peppers, green olives, and peas that add a delightful texture and depth to the dish. The process might be a bit lengthy, involving simmering the tongue until tender and sautéing the ingredients to perfection, but the result is a rich, stew-like dish that is well worth the wait. Serve this exquisite Lengua Guisada hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and prepare to be amazed. This recipe serves 6-8, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or intimate gatherings. Enjoy the culinary journey!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef tongue?
    Yes, you can use a different type of meat if you prefer. However, using beef tongue is traditional for Lengua Guisada and provides a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
  2. Can I use canned tomato sauce?
    Yes, you can use canned tomato sauce as a convenient alternative. However, if you prefer a fresher taste, you can make homemade tomato sauce by blending fresh tomatoes.
  3. Can I substitute or omit any of the vegetables?
    Certainly, you can customize the vegetable selection to your liking. You can add additional vegetables such as green beans or corn, or omit any vegetables you don't prefer.
  4. How do I know when the tongue is tender enough to be sliced?
    The tongue is tender when it can be easily pierced with a fork. It usually takes about 3 to 4 hours of simmering to achieve this tenderness.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make Lengua Guisada ahead of time. After cooking, let it cool down and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  6. What can I serve with Lengua Guisada?
    Lengua Guisada is commonly served with rice, such as white or brown rice. It pairs well with warm tortillas, crusty bread, or a side of steamed vegetables.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy cutting board is essential for preparing and slicing the beef tongue.
  • Chef's Knife - A sharp chef's knife will make it easier to trim and slice the beef tongue.
  • Large Pot - A large pot is needed to boil the beef tongue until it becomes tender.
  • Large Pan or Skillet - A large pan or skillet is used to sauté the vegetables and cook the lengua guisada.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula - A wooden spoon or spatula is useful for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan.
  • Tongs - Tongs can be handy for handling the beef tongue when removing it from the pot and slicing it.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Measuring cups and spoons are needed to accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Serving Dish - A serving dish will be used to present the finished lengua guisada.

Origin stories

Lengua Guisada, a dish that literally translates to "Stewed Tongue," hails from the vibrant and diverse culinary tradition of the Philippines. This dish, renowned for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality, puts to use the often-overlooked beef tongue, embodying the Filipino ethos of leaving no part of the animal wasted. Rooted in Spanish influence during the colonial period, Lengua Guisada is a testament to the Philippines' resilient spirit and its ability to adapt and create sumptuous meals out of the ingredients available. This dish is often served during special occasions and fiestas, symbolizing abundance and the Filipino's hearty appetite for food and life. So, when you're indulging in this delicacy, you're actually partaking in a rich, historical Filipino tradition.

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.