What is Pares?
Pares is a traditional Filipino dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many across the Philippines and beyond. Characterized by its flavorful beef stew, this delicacy is often paired with garlic fried rice and a bowl of beef soup.
Origin of Pares
The term pares literally means “pairs” in Filipino, referring to the combination of beef stew and fried rice. This dish originated from Manila street food culture and quickly gained popularity for its savory and comforting qualities.
Ingredients and Preparation
Pares is typically made using the following ingredients:
- Beef brisket
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Star anise
- Onions
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Rice (for the garlic fried rice)
The beef is typically simmered for hours to achieve a tender texture, enriched with a blend of sweet and savory flavors due to the soy sauce and star anise. The garlic fried rice complements the stew perfectly, resulting in the delightful combination known as pares.
Why is Pares Popular?
There are several reasons why pares has become a staple in Filipino cuisine:
Affordability: Pares is considered an affordable yet satisfying meal, making it a popular choice among locals.
Flavor: The unique combination of sweet and savory, with a hint of spice from the star anise, makes it a flavorful dish that appeals to many.
Accessibility: With many vendors specializing in this dish, it’s easy to find pares in bustling food markets and street corners.
Positive and Negative Aspects
Like any dish, pares has its positive and negative aspects.
Positive Aspects:
- Affordable and accessible.
- Rich in flavor and can be enjoyed by a wide audience.
- Comforting and filling, ideal for a hearty meal.
Negative Aspects:
- High in sodium due to soy sauce, which may not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- The dish’s preparation can be time-consuming, requiring precise simmering to achieve the desired tenderness of the beef.
Where to Find Pares
If you’re looking to try pares, here are some common places where you can find this delightful dish:
- Local street food vendors
- Filipino restaurants
- Food markets and food courts