Filippino Pork Afritada

  One of my friends at work is married to a really nice lady that was born in the Philippines. She knows that I like to cook and have attempted some Asian food. She sent me her recipe for Pork Afritada - it roughly translates to Braised Pork Stew in tomato sauce.
  I was surprised at how easy this dish is to make. It doesn't take a lot of ingredients and you basically just keep adding ingredients and cooking until it turns orange and meat is tender. She didn't give me exact times, but total it only took about half an hour. It's similar to American beef stew in a tomato base. I have no idea how it turns orange, (maybe the soy sauce mixed with ketchup) but that's the key to telling when you're done. This can be made with chicken as well.

Filippino Pork Afritada

4 pork loin chops, trimmed into 1/2 inch pieces, about 2 cups

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup ketchup or tomato paste

2 carrots, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

2 medium potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 green pepper, cut into thin slices

salt and pepper (salt optional)

1/2 tsp. sugar

1/2 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup water

   In medium saucepan, heat oil and saute' onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add carrots and potatoes; stir and cook until slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Pour in soy sauce and water. Let boil. Add ketchup and green pepper when meat is tender. Adjust taste by adding salt and sugar. Let boil until meat is tender and soup turns orange. Best with side of white rice. Serves 4.

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