Kare-Kare (Filipino Beef and Peanut Stew with Vegetables)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are annatto seeds?

  Annatto are the seeds of the achiote tree, which is why sometimes you’ll see achiote listed on a label instead of annatto. The seeds can be infused into oil (or the stew in this case), ground into a powder, or pounded into a paste. Annatto is often used as a natural food dye for its bright orange hue, though it lends a floral, slightly nutty flavor to dishes as well. 

• Where do you find beef bones, cheeks, and tendon?

  Well-stocked meat departments at grocery stores may have beef bones, cheeks, and tendon either fresh or frozen, or be able to order them for you. Otherwise, look for these cuts at specialty butcher shops, or if you’re lucky enough to have a local beef farm nearby or at your farmers market , ask them. 

• What are long beans?

  Long beans, also known as yardlong beans, pea beans, long-podded cowpeas, and Chinese long beans, are more closely related to black-eyed peas than green beans. They look like long, thin green beans but are firmer and require slightly longer cooking times to be tender.