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Menudo

THE PHILIPPINES

Pork & Raisin Stew

SUBMITTED BY

Matthew

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Matthew is a chef from the Philippines and he showed me his favorite way to sneak a surprise raisin into a delicious dish.

Filipino Menudo is a beloved tomato-based pork stew known for its hearty combination of tender meat, potatoes, carrots, hotdogs, and a signature touch of sweetness from raisins. Unlike the Mexican version of menudo, which is made with tripe and chili broth, Filipino Menudo reflects the rich blend of Spanish influence and local Filipino cooking traditions. Found at birthday parties, fiestas, holidays, and family gatherings, this comforting dish has become a staple of Filipino home cooking.

This version combines cubed pork marinated in soy sauce and calamansi or lemon juice with tomato sauce, vegetables, hotdogs, and black raisins for a sweet and savory flavor that defines classic Filipino Menudo.

Spanish Roots and Filipino Adaptation

The origins of Filipino Menudo trace back to the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, which lasted for more than 300 years. During this time, Spanish cooking techniques and ingredients deeply influenced Filipino cuisine. Tomato-based stews, cured meats, and slow-cooked dishes became integrated into local food culture.

The word “menudo” itself comes from Spanish, meaning “small pieces,” referring to the diced ingredients traditionally used in the dish. Filipino cooks adapted the recipe over generations, replacing expensive imported ingredients with local and accessible alternatives such as pork, soy sauce, calamansi, and hotdogs.

As Filipino cuisine evolved, Menudo became less of a colonial dish and more of a uniquely Filipino comfort food. Families across the country developed their own versions, adding ingredients that reflected regional tastes and household traditions.

Why Raisins Are Important in Filipino Menudo

One of the most recognizable features of Filipino Menudo is the addition of raisins. While some people may debate their inclusion, raisins have long played an important role in balancing the dish’s savory and acidic flavors.

The sweetness of black raisins contrasts beautifully with the richness of pork, the saltiness of soy sauce, and the tangy tomato sauce. This sweet-and-savory flavor profile is common in many Filipino dishes and reflects the country’s love for combining contrasting tastes in one meal.

Raisins also highlight the influence of Spanish cuisine, where dried fruits were often added to stews and rice dishes. Over time, Filipino cooks embraced raisins not only for flavor but also for texture and visual appeal. In Menudo, the small bursts of sweetness help soften the acidity of the tomatoes while complementing ingredients like hotdogs, peas, and carrots.

Today, raisins remain a classic ingredient in traditional Menudo recipes, especially during celebrations and holiday feasts.

Menudo as a Filipino Celebration Dish

Filipino Menudo is often associated with gatherings and special occasions. Its colorful appearance and rich flavor make it a popular choice for fiestas, birthdays, Christmas dinners, and potluck parties. Because the dish can feed many people and tastes even better the next day, it has become a practical and comforting meal for large family events.

Recipes commonly include pork simmered until tender with tomato sauce, bay leaves, potatoes, peas, carrots, and sliced hotdogs. The addition of raisins gives the stew a festive touch that many Filipinos associate with celebration food.

Served over steamed rice and topped with green onions, Menudo continues to be one of the Philippines’ most iconic comfort dishes, blending Spanish history, Filipino creativity, and the unmistakable sweetness of raisins into every bite.

The Lasting Popularity of Menudo

Filipino Menudo remains popular because it represents the warmth and adaptability of Filipino cooking. Every household has its own variation, with some families adding liver spread, bell peppers, or extra raisins to create a richer and sweeter flavor. The dish is also appreciated for being affordable, filling, and easy to prepare in large batches. Whether served at a simple family dinner or a major celebration, Menudo continues to bring generations together through its comforting mix of savory pork, tomato sauce, vegetables, and sweet raisins that have become essential to the dish’s identity.

Menudo

Servings 4
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb pork stew meat cubed
  • 3 Tbsp calamansi juice or ½ a lemon, juiced
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup potatoes diced
  • 200-250 g frozen peas & carrots
  • ¼ cup black raisins
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ¾ cup tomato sauce preferably Del Monte
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 hot dogs sliced diagonally
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil
  • 2-3 dried bay leaves
  • 1 Tbsp chicken powder
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • cooked rice for serving
  • green onions chopped, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Combine pork, soy sauce, and calamansi (or lemon) in a bowl. Marinate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Heat oil in a pan. Sauté garlic and onion.
  • Add the marinated pork. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on medium high heat.
  • Pour in tomato sauce and water and then add the bay leaves. Let boil and simmer for 30 minutes to an hour depending on the toughness of the pork. Throughout this and the next steps, add water as necessary.
  • Add in the chicken powder. Add-in hot dogs. Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Put in potatoes, carrots, peas, raisins, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 8 to 12 minutes.
  • Serve with rice and garnish with green onions.
Course: Dinner
Region: Asia

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About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.