If you’re looking for a good beef recipe that’s not only delicious but is good for you, then try out this balbacua recipe. This Filipino dish is made from the tender, lean cut of beef known as tinola, which has collagen to help with joint health. It also has a lot of flavor. You can enjoy this delicious meal on its own, or pair it with rice and vegetables.
Cooking instructions
One of the more popular meals at any given Filipino household is the balbacua. For the uninitiated, it’s a crockpot’d stew of meat and beans with a healthy dose of spice and flavor. The dish is best served with miki or misua noodles and a hefty portion of white rice. It’s been credited to originating from the province of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, but it can be traced back to the colonial era, with the earliest evidence dating back to the 16th century. To this day, it remains one of the best tasting dishes in the country. And the best part is it is relatively easy to make. With the proper ingredients, a weeknight dinner can be on the table in a flash.
There are a number of ingredients, but there’s a handful that will stand out. Aside from the ubiquitous beef and beans, there’s also a bevy of lesser-known but no less delicious options such as the ox trotter, ox leg, and the ox brisket. But of all the aforementioned contenders, the ox trotter is by far the most versatile and palatable, especially if you know what you’re doing.
Ingredients
Balbacua is an ox trotter stew that has gained a notoriety in the Visayan regions of the Philippines. Often paired with white rice and miso soup, balbacua is a concoction that’s rich in fatty meats and collagen rich beef parts. Some may argue that this is a healthy meal while others may claim it’s an unhealthy one. There are several variants on the traditional balbacua theme including the ubiquitous salted black bean and the aforementioned salted pork and beef combos. It’s also not uncommon to see exotic animal parts tucked into the mix. While it’s not necessarily a quick and easy dish to prepare, the ingredients list is short. One could make this dish in less than two hours, depending on the type of meat in question. The trick is in the cooking process. A good rule of thumb is to cook oxtails until they are tender and then add the rest of the ingredients. This method will yield a more flavorful outcome. In fact, many aficionados swear by it.
As for the recipe itself, you can find many variations on the theme in the Visayas, ranging from the aforementioned pork and beef to the more health conscious version made with fish. Using the right ingredients will help you get a delicious result in no time. Several of the more elaborate versions even boast a five star rating from the discerning judges. So why not sample the wares of these concoctions yourself? You might be surprised to find out that they are actually quite cheap and easy to find. Considering the perks they offer, it’s no wonder they’re so popular. Having a taste of your own will only enhance the experience.
Health benefits of collagen-rich cuts of beef
Whether you’re trying to heal a damaged joint, improve your skin’s health, or simply want to avoid the aches and pains of aging, you may want to consider eating collagen-rich cuts of beef. Collagen is one of the body’s most abundant proteins. It’s found in the muscles, bones, and connective tissues of your body.
The tendons and ligaments that connect muscles to the bone are made from collagen. As you move, connective tissue pulls on your bones, making them stronger.
There are several types of dietary sources of collagen. These are broken down into smaller components and include amino acids, zinc, and vitamin C.
The three main amino acids in collagen are hydroxyproline, proline, and glycine. Glycine helps to stabilize blood sugar and lowers the risk of insulin resistance.
Another dietary source of collagen is bone broth. This is made by simmering animal bones in water. Traditionally, it’s considered a healthy food that promotes many health benefits. You can find it at most grocery stores.
Another good collagen source is fish. Fish has a high concentration of protein, including collagen. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals that support health.
In addition, you can get the collagen you need from high-protein foods like meat and eggs. If you’re a vegetarian, you can boost your collagen intake by consuming algae spirulina. Spirulina is available in powder or capsule form.
Bones are extremely rich in collagen. When meat is cooked, the collagen becomes soft and gelatin-like. A slow, moist heat is ideal for making this type of collagen-rich meat.
Bone broth is the best way to get a collagen boost. Although it has some health benefits, you may not get enough collagen in a single serving.
To get the maximum collagen benefit, you need to consume a nutrient-rich diet. High-protein meats, dairy, and eggs are among the best options. Some people also take collagen supplements.
Besides being rich in protein, meats are also high in healthy fats and vitamin C. If you’re looking for collagen-rich foods, you should try beef, chicken, pork, and oxtail.
Culture of the Visayas
The culture of the Visayas is very different from the other Philippine ethnolinguistic groups. This is due to centuries of inter-migrations, ancient animistic-polytheistic influences, and maritime cultures. Its most distinct features are its love of song, its rich musicality, and its strong Roman Catholic traditions.
The main language of the Visayas is Cebuano. Other widely used Visayan languages are Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) and Waray. However, many Visayans also speak other languages. Some of the most common are Ambahan, Dandansoy, and Waray-Waray.
Traditional art in the Philippines reflects the cultural life of the community. Common forms of folk art include pottery, weaving, carving, and folk graphic and plastic arts. These traditional forms of art are created by individuals or groups, often self-taught. Aside from its artistic value, folk art also serves to define a community’s identity.
The Philippines is an archipelagic country, meaning that it is shaped by oceans. The major islands are Bohol, Leyte, Negros, Panay, and Samar. All of these have diverse ecosystems. Each island has a unique culture, though they share common elements. One of these is the religious practice of kuraldal, a ritualistic dance. Traditionally performed by childless couples, kuraldal is associated with fertility.
Religious iconography is an important form of cultural representation. It is used for specific social agendas, such as in the case of ritual crucifixion. Many scholars view this religious practice as pre-modern folk-religiosity, which is an archaeological survival of our past. Nevertheless, this form of ritual crucifixion illuminates the sense of belonging of healers.
The Ateneo Cultural Laboratory 2009 conducted in Tayabas, Quezon Province, Philippines is a project that documents and analyzes the cultural heritage of the Tayabas community. Funded by the Fundacion Santiago, this report is currently in the hands of the local government. In addition to documenting the heritage of the Tayabas community, this study includes policy proposals, a study of the religious practices and rituals of the community, and documentation of the artifacts that are part of the community.
Various artifacts from the Visayas were documented in the report. The objects were analyzed, and students were asked to identify them and to identify the cultural principles that they represent. Students are encouraged to create their own artworks that are inspired by these pieces.