the lift (a classic filipino dish: menudo)

"When are  you going to cook something for me?"  my neighbor chirpily asked me when I hopped into the elevator.

"Uh-oh am I in trouble now? I asked.  "But hey you look spiffy in your sports jacket"  I said as I tried to avoid the topic.

"You promised though that you will cook some Filipino food for me" he said again.

"Yes I will, I didn't forget the promise I was just away during the holidays... but honestly tell me why you are you all dressed up" I insisted.

"Ahh because today is our 29th year anniversary"  he said with a wide smile on his face.  "My wife and I are going out on a date.

"Happy 29th Anniversary! You should have told me so I should have cooked for you today"  

"No worries, you could do that tomorrow because tomorrow is my birthday" he said.

I had no more alibis, so the next day, I delivered a Filipino dish on a bed of rice for him and his wife to enjoy.

Menudo


Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb pork, cubed
1 small onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
bay leaf
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 small can tomato sauce
1/2 c soup stock
green peas
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium carrots, cubed
1 small box of raisins

Saute garlic and onions until soft and fragrant.  Add the pork. Give it a quick stir.  Add pepper and bay leaf.   Cook until the pork renders its fat. Add  tomato sauce and soup stock, continue to cook for about 10 minutes.  Season with oyster sauce and soy sauce..  Cook for a few more minutes until pork is tender. If the pork is not tender, you may add soup stock.  Cook until the sauce is reduced. Add carrots, pepper and green peas. Throw in some raisins.  You could add drops of maggi seasoning to enhance the flavor.

Enjoy with  white jasmine rice.