Bulalo is a delicious and hearty Filipino soup that is beloved for its rich and flavourful broth and tender beef or bone marrow. This dish is a popular comfort food in the Philippines, particularly in the southern region of Luzon where it originated. Bulalo is often enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, especially in cooler weather or during special occasions.
The main ingredients of bulalo typically include beef shank and bone marrow, as well as corn on the cob, potatoes, and leafy vegetables like pechay (Chinese cabbage) or kangkong (water spinach). The magic of bulalo lies in the slow simmering of these ingredients, which extracts the essence and natural flavours of the beef and marrow, resulting in a rich and savoury broth.
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Bulalo is known for its nourishing and warming qualities, making it a favorite choice for gatherings with family and friends. It’s often served with fish sauce or patis, calamansi (Philippine lime) or lemon, and sometimes chili peppers for added flavor. The bone marrow is particularly prized for its buttery texture and exquisite taste, often scooped out and spread on rice or enjoyed with a piece of crusty bread.
Whether enjoyed in a cozy local eatery or prepared at home for a special meal, bulalo is a delectable Filipino dish that showcases the country’s love for hearty and flavourful soups. It’s not only a satisfying meal but also a culinary experience that captures the essence of Filipino cuisine.
What is Bulalo in English?
“Bulalo” is a Filipino dish, and when translated to English, it is commonly referred to as “beef bone marrow soup.” This name accurately describes the key components of the dish, which include beef shank and bone marrow simmered in a flavourful broth. It is a popular and delicious Filipino soup known for its rich and savoury flavours.
What’s the difference between Nilaga and Bulalo?
Nilaga and Bulalo are both Filipino soups known for their hearty and comforting qualities, but they have some differences in their preparation and ingredients:
- Main Ingredients: The primary ingredient in Nilaga is typically beef shank or a meaty cut of beef like brisket or chuck. It’s cooked with various vegetables such as potatoes, corn on the cob, green beans, and sometimes plantains or saba bananas. The broth is flavoured with fish sauce or salt. Bulalo, on the other hand, prominently features beef shank and bone marrow as its main ingredients. While it may also include some vegetables like corn, potatoes, and leafy greens, the focus is on the rich and savoury flavour of the marrow-infused broth.
- Flavour Profile: Nilaga has a well-balanced and savoury flavour profile. The meat and vegetables contribute to the overall taste, and the broth is flavourful but not as intensely beefy as Bulalo. Bulalo is known for its incredibly rich and beefy flavour, thanks to the bone marrow. The marrow, when cooked, adds a distinctive and luxurious taste to the soup, making it more indulgent and flavourful compared to Nilaga.
- Serving Style: Nilaga is often served as a clear soup, with the broth being relatively clear or lightly cloudy. It’s a comforting and nourishing soup. Bulalo is famous for its opaque and creamy broth, which is the result of the bone marrow melting into the soup during cooking. It has a thicker and more velvety consistency compared to Nilaga.
- Occasions: Nilaga is a more everyday dish and is commonly prepared for regular family meals or when someone is feeling under the weather. It’s seen as a comforting and nurturing dish. Bulalo is often reserved for special occasions and gatherings due to its richer and more luxurious nature. It’s a dish that’s sometimes enjoyed as a celebratory or festive meal.
Whilst Nilaga and Bulalo share similarities as Filipino beef soups, the key distinctions lie in the choice of meat and the resulting flavour and texture of the broth. Nilaga is a well-balanced beef and vegetable soup, while Bulalo is known for its intensely beefy flavour and the richness added by bone marrow. Both are delicious and beloved in Filipino cuisine, often enjoyed in different contexts.
Is Bulalo Healthy?
Beef Bulalo, like many dishes, can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced meal plan. However, it’s essential to be aware of certain aspects of this dish that can affect its overall healthiness:
- Nutrient Content: Beef Bulalo is a rich source of protein, essential minerals like iron and zinc, and vitamins such as B vitamins (particularly B12). It also contains collagen from the bone marrow, which may have some potential health benefits for joint health and skin. However, it’s also relatively high in calories and fat, especially when the bone marrow is consumed in larger quantities.
- Fat Content: The bone marrow in Beef Bulalo is quite fatty, and while some people find it delicious, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its high fat content. Excessive consumption of saturated fats can be detrimental to heart health.
- Sodium Content: Depending on how it’s prepared, Beef Bulalo can be high in sodium, especially if a significant amount of salt or fish sauce is added for seasoning. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.
- Vegetables: The vegetables in Beef Bulalo, such as potatoes, corn, and leafy greens, add important vitamins, minerals, and fibre to the dish, making it more nutritious.
To make Beef Bulalo a healthier option:
- Limit Portion Size: Enjoy it in moderation to avoid excessive calorie and fat intake.
- Skim Off Excess Fat: If there’s an excessive amount of fat floating on top of the broth, you can skim it off before consuming the soup.
- Control Sodium: Be mindful of the amount of salt or fish sauce used in the recipe or opt for low-sodium alternatives.
- Balance with Other Foods: Pair Beef Bulalo with a variety of other nutrient-rich foods, such as whole grains, legumes, and more vegetables, to create a well-rounded meal.
Ultimately, the healthiness of Beef Bulalo depends on portion size, ingredient choices, and your overall dietary habits. It can be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence or part of a balanced diet, but it’s a good idea to be mindful of the fat and sodium content and make adjustments accordingly to meet your dietary goals and health needs.
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How to Make Bulalo?
Filipinos love Bulalo not only for its delectable taste but also for the comfort, tradition, and cultural significance it brings to their lives. It’s a dish that embodies the warmth and togetherness of Filipino culture and is cherished in both everyday meals and special occasions.
Here’s the Bulalo Recipe:
INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds (about 1 kg) beef shank with bone marrow
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2-3 liters (about 8-12 cups) of water
2-3 corn on the cob, cut into chunks
2-3 potatoes, peeled and quartered
1-2 saba bananas (optional), peeled and cut into chunks
1 bundle of pechay (Chinese cabbage) or kangkong (water spinach)
Fish sauce (patis) or salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Beef:
- Place the beef shank in a large pot.
- Fill the pot with enough water to cover the beef, and then bring it to a boil.
- Allow the beef to boil for a few minutes to remove any impurities and excess fat.
- Drain the water, rinse the beef, and set it aside.
- Boil the Beef:
- Return the beef shank to the pot.
- Add the quartered onion and crushed garlic.
- Pour in 2-3 liters of water (adjust based on your preferred broth thickness).
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it cook for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender and easily falls off the bone.
- Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.
- Add Vegetables:
- Once the beef is tender, add the chunks of corn on the cob, potatoes, and saba bananas (if using).
- Continue simmering until the vegetables are cooked and tender, typically about 15-20 minutes.
- Season the Broth:
- Season the broth with fish sauce (patis) or salt to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- You can also add ground black pepper for extra flavor
- Add Leafy Greens:
- Just before serving, add the pechay or kangkong (leafy greens) to the pot. These greens cook quickly and will wilt within a few minutes.
- Serve:
- Ladle the Bulalo into individual bowls, making sure each serving has a generous portion of beef, vegetables, and flavorful broth.
- Optionally, scoop out some bone marrow from the shank and serve it with the soup for added richness.
- Garnish and Accompaniments:
- Bulalo is traditionally served with calamansi or lemon wedges on the side for a citrusy kick.
- Offer fish sauce or chili peppers for those who want to add extra seasoning to their soup.
Serve and enjoy this Bulalo with family and friends!
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