The cold temperature keeps me wrapped,
and yet...purposes must not be forgot,
this time, chores keep arising, yet
prioritized plans have to come first.

A dark brownish pool in a deep pan, waits,
a mix of soy sauce and squeezed lemon,
generously sprinkled with ground pepper
invades the nostrils........soon,

Small slices of meat would be like
creatures drowning within...left a while,
to absorb color and flavor...a raw, fragrant
marinade wherein secrets are created.

A newly honed knife rules the scene, and
cruelly cuts potatoes, bell peppers and
carrots...it crushes and slices the garlic,
the onions, and the tomatoes....shortly,

The music begins: garlic, onions, tomatoes
make a noise of protest as they hit hot oil
in a hot steel ***...yet, hand carefully leads
the spoon while sautéing these aromatics.

Marinated meat is added, and it becomes
noisier...as meat's color changes, marinade
is poured over the meat; bay leaves, oregano,
and some cracked peppercorns are dropped;

Ahh...the aroma spreads  as the sauce boils,
time to pour in a cup of Italian tomato sauce;
a lovely sight when mixture starts to simmer!
while mixing the sauce, one becomes hungrier.

In fifteen minutes, carrots, potatoes, and bell
peppers would add color to the mixture,
some washed raisins for a sweeter taste.
what a fragrant blend of ingredients !

Finally,  small slices of pork or beef liver are
added...sauce bubbles as it boils...heat is
turned off, liver gets tougher when cooked longer;
finally, a gentle dash of oregano and chili flakes.

Voila! Menudo is done, with
pork barbecue fresh from
the grill......welcome
to a simple Christmas lunch!


sally b

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
December 25, 2024