Mechado

Mechado is a Filipino fusion dish that combines beef chunks, which are sometimes replaced with pork, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Since tomato sauce is not a common ingredient in traditional Filipino cuisine, it is believed that the dish originated under Spanish influence. Besides meat, it can also incorporate potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and peas. It is often seasoned with soy sauce or fish sauce. Traditionally, the dish is made with inexpensive beef cuts that are inserted with strips of pork fat. The strips are known as mecha (as in candle wick), which also gave the dish its name. This thick and comforting stew is always served hot, and it is usually accompanied by plain steamed rice on the side.