Menudo

This menudo profile follows the Filipino pork-and-liver stew. Vanjo Merano’s selected everyday version combines small pieces of pork shoulder, pig liver, hotdogs, potato and carrot in tomato sauce, with a little sweetness and a little sourness.

The pork marinates with soy sauce and lemon. Minced garlic and chopped onion sauté in cooking oil before the marinated meat is added and lightly browned.

Tomato sauce, water and dried bay leaves start a simmer that tenderizes the pork. Extra water is added as needed while the meat and sauce cook together.

Pig liver and diagonally sliced hotdogs enter near the end. Potato, carrot, sugar, salt and pepper follow and cook until the vegetables soften while retaining their shape.

Merano describes this as his familiar home and carinderia-style version. It accompanies warm rice, with sauce spooned over the grains, while the small-cut meat and vegetables make up the body of the stew.