foods that I've been loving lately ~ real food.

You all know I am a terrible cook. 🙈 So if there are a few dishes that come out perfect — chef's kiss 😘👌 — of course I will repeat those all the time.

1. Ground Beef 🥩

I did not believe other people when they said to grind your own beef. Like, who has time for that? & who would have a meat grinder sitting around the house casually? That would make my overhead huge, since a professional meat grinder costs a bit. 💸

But time after time, I was disappointed by the meat quality I see in the market. There's a "ma- anggo" taste that just stays there- gamey unpleasant aftertaste, also, another complain I have is that although ground, it is tough when reheated. 😩

But whenever I watch videos on the cheapest, tastiest way to eat carnivore, ground beef is always on the list. I know beef is nutrient dense, so I really wanted to add this to my menu. But the tasty part always failed me.

Then I gave in. I bought a 600 peso food processor and used it as my meat grinder. 🛒 I bought the freshest beef I could find in the market — Batangas beef — trimmed the "labot" (silver skin) and sticky fat, because I noticed it gets caught in the blades, so I just remove it. Then I grind it — not overground.  Definitely not over 1 minute, because I've done that once and the meat became mushy — not the texture I'm used to. By the way, this grinder is small, so just over 500 grams fits, and that's perfect so the motor won't overheat.

To save time, I put garlic, onion powder, fresh white onion, paprika powder, sometimes bell pepper, and white pepper in one grind. 🧄🧅

Then I shape it into balls, cook it patiently one by one so I get the perfect crust, flip it, and make it a little bit undercooked, then put salt after. I find that's the key — put the salt after — and my burger is perfect even when reheated. 🍔. My burger stays Juicy and yummy, paired with caramelized onion and I add sprinkle of salt when needed, chef's kiss. 

I feel like the possibility is endless when I have this based ground beef. Imagine what other dish I can make.

I can cook;

• smash burger
• burger steak with yummy beef gravy sauce
• ground beef cheese steak
• make a meatball for spaggetti 

Photo not mine, credits to the owner. 

Photo not mine, credits to the owner

Link for that grinder is here. Shopee Link 

2. Sardines (Canned Mega Sardines, Spanish Style) 🐟

What I do with sardines: I split it in half, scrape the bones and innards aside, bring out the kawali, put 2 tablespoons of oil, and toast the sardines.

Paired with caramelized white onion and rice, I get 30 grams of protein per can, easily — very easy! It's a simple meal, packed with nutrients, and it's tasty. I love the combo of sweet onions and toasted fish, and it doesn't upset my stomach. 😋

Pro Tip: I open 4 cans at a time, toast them at once and keep the rest in a tight container. It will last for 3 days in the fridge.

3. Veggie Okoy 🥕🍤

I really love lumpia togue, but I find it very greasy and it upsets my stomach.

So I tried veggie okoy instead. I put togue (mung bean sprouts), thinly sliced white onion, squash, green onion, sweet potato, and carrots.

For the batter: achuete for color, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, flour, and cold water. (I'll try the version with ground sticky rice and flour and let you know how that goes — apparently it results in a much crispier okoy!) 🍚

Get some spiced vinegar with fresh sliced cucumber, and that's the best combo with the fried okoy.

This version still has a lot of oil — maybe 3 tablespoons — but I feel it's comparably better than what I buy outside. That's just one downside of it. But overall, it tastes really good. My craving for togue and crispiness is met, and I have the best meal ever. 🎉

Well I hope you enjoy my current meal line up. 

That is it for now, thanks for reading all the way.