Gotong Batangas Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

5 Jun, 2023

Discover the rich and hearty flavors of Gotong Batangas: A comforting Filipino soup made with tender beef tripe and nourishing malunggay leaves.

Gotong Batangas

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: Philippines
Category: Soup
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Servings: 10
Calories: 350 calories

About this recipe

Gotong Batangas is a delicious soup dish that originated from the province of Batangas in the Philippines. It's a hearty and flavorful soup that's perfect for a cold day or when you're looking for something comforting to eat.

The main ingredients in Gotong Batangas are beef tripe and ox feet, which are both cooked until tender and flavorful in a broth made with lemongrass, bay leaves, peppercorns, fish sauce, and salt. The long simmering time allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy.

To make the soup even more nutritious and filling, various vegetables are added towards the end of the cooking process. These include cabbage, pechay or bok choy, green beans, spinach, and malunggay leaves. The result is a colorful and healthy soup that's bursting with flavor and nutrients.

Gotong Batangas is often served with steamed rice, and it's a popular dish for family gatherings and special occasions. It's a great way to showcase the flavors and ingredients that are unique to the Batangas region of the Philippines.

Gotong Batangas recipe origin and background

Gotong Batangas is a traditional Filipino soup dish that originated from the province of Batangas, which is located in the southern part of Luzon island in the Philippines.

Batangas is known for its rich agricultural lands and coastal areas, which have contributed to the diverse cuisine of the region.

Gotong Batangas is said to have originated from the traditional Filipino dish called "goto", which is a rice porridge made with beef tripe, ox feet, and various spices.

Over time, the recipe evolved to become the hearty and flavorful soup dish that we know today as Gotong Batangas.

Because of its popularity in Batangas, Gotong Batangas has become a staple dish in many households and is often served during special occasions and family gatherings. The dish has also gained recognition outside of Batangas and is now a popular menu item in many Filipino restaurants around the world.

Why make this Gotong Batangas recipe?

You should try making Gotong Batangas because it's a flavorful and hearty soup that's beloved in Filipino cuisine.

The combination of tender beef tripe, ox feet, and nourishing malunggay leaves creates a rich and satisfying broth that's perfect for warming up on a chilly day or for enjoying with family and friends.

It's also a nutrient-dense soup that's rich in protein and vitamins, making it a great option for those looking for a wholesome and comforting meal.

Give this recipe a try and discover the delicious flavors of Gotong Batangas for yourself!

What does Gotong Batangas taste like?

Gotong Batangas is a hearty and flavorful soup that has a complex and savory taste. The beef tripe and ox feet are cooked until tender and infused with the flavors of the broth, which is made with lemongrass, bay leaves, peppercorns, fish sauce, and salt.

The soup has a slightly tangy and citrusy taste from the lemongrass, which complements the rich and meaty flavor of the beef tripe and ox feet. The broth is also slightly salty and savory, with a hint of umami flavor from the fish sauce.

The addition of various vegetables towards the end of the cooking process adds a fresh and earthy taste to the soup. The cabbage, pechay or bok choy, green beans, spinach, and malunggay leaves provide a variety of textures and flavors, ranging from slightly sweet to slightly bitter.

What is in Gotong Batangas?

Beef tripe: This is the stomach lining of a cow and is the main ingredient in the soup. It has a chewy texture and is rich in protein and nutrients.
Ox feet: This provides additional flavor and nutrients to the soup, and the collagen from the bones gives the soup a rich and hearty texture.
Lemongrass: This herb adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to the soup, and also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bay leaves: This adds a subtle earthy flavor to the soup, and is commonly used in many Filipino dishes.
Peppercorns: This adds a slightly spicy and aromatic flavor to the soup.
Fish sauce: This is a popular condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine and adds a salty and savory flavor to the soup.
Salt: This is added to taste and helps to enhance the other flavors in the soup.
Cabbage: This provides a fresh and slightly sweet taste to the soup, and is also a good source of vitamins and fiber.
Pechay or bok choy: This leafy green vegetable adds a slightly bitter taste to the soup and is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Green beans: This adds a crunchy texture and slightly sweet taste to the soup.
Spinach: This is added towards the end of the cooking process and provides a delicate and slightly earthy flavor to the soup.
Malunggay leaves: This is a type of moringa leaf that's commonly used in Filipino cuisine. It has a slightly bitter taste and is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Equipment needed

Large pot: This is needed to cook the soup. If you don't have a large pot, you can use a Dutch oven or a slow cooker instead.
Wooden spoon: This is used to stir the soup. If you don't have a wooden spoon, you can use a metal spoon or a silicone spoon instead.
Ladle: This is used to serve the soup. If you don't have a ladle, you can use a large spoon or a measuring cup instead.
Chopping board: This is needed to chop the vegetables. If you don't have a chopping board, you can use a large plate or a clean countertop instead.
Knife: This is used to chop the vegetables and meat. If you don't have a knife, you can use a pair of kitchen scissors or a vegetable peeler instead.
Strainer: This is used to strain the soup and remove any impurities. If you don't have a strainer, you can use a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel instead.

How to make Gotong Batangas

Looking for a comforting and flavorful soup? Try making Gotong Batangas, a traditional Filipino dish made with beef tripe, ox feet, and malunggay leaves.

Ingredients

1 kg beef tripe, cleaned and sliced into thin strips
1 kg ox feet, cleaned and chopped
2 onions, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons oil
2 liters water
2 stalks lemongrass, pounded
2 pieces bay leaves
1 tablespoon peppercorns
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon salt
1 head cabbage, chopped
2 bundles pechay or bok choy, chopped
1 bundle green beans, sliced
1 bundle spinach, chopped
1 bundle malunggay leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the beef tripe and ox feet and cook until browned.
Pour in the water and add the lemongrass, bay leaves, peppercorns, fish sauce, and salt. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer.
Allow the soup to simmer for at least 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
Once the meat is tender, add the vegetables starting with the cabbage, then the pechay or bok choy, green beans, spinach, and malunggay leaves. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

How would you serve Gotong Batangas recipe?

Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Make sure each bowl has a good amount of beef tripe, ox feet, and vegetables.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped spring onions or scallions, sliced chili peppers, and calamansi or lime wedges on the side. This allows each person to adjust the flavor and spiciness of their soup according to their taste.
Gotong Batangas is usually served as a main dish, so it's best accompanied by steamed rice and a side of crispy fried fish or grilled meat.
You can also serve the soup with a small dish of fish sauce or soy sauce for dipping the meat and vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, but make sure to reheat the soup thoroughly before serving. You may need to add a bit of water or broth to thin out the soup if it has thickened in the fridge.
Enjoy your delicious and hearty bowl of Gotong Batangas!

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 794 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Gotong Batangas, Gotong Batangas Recipe, Recipe, Top rated

What to serve Gotong Batangas with

Gotong Batangas is a hearty soup that's usually served as a main dish, so it's best accompanied by steamed rice and a side of crispy fried fish or grilled meat. You can also serve it with a small dish of fish sauce or soy sauce for dipping the meat and vegetables.

Here are some additional side dishes that pair well with Gotong Batangas:

Puto: These are small steamed rice cakes that are commonly served as a snack or side dish in the Philippines. They are light and fluffy, and their slightly sweet flavor balances out the savory taste of the soup.
Lumpia: These are Filipino-style spring rolls that are usually filled with ground meat, vegetables, and spices. They add a crispy and savory element to the meal.
Garlic fried rice: This is a popular Filipino breakfast dish that's made by stir-frying cooked rice with garlic and soy sauce. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and adds a fragrant and savory component to the meal.
Grilled or fried fish: This is a classic Filipino side dish that's usually served with a squeeze of calamansi or lime juice. The crispy and salty fish complements the rich and flavorful soup.

My recommendations and tips

Follow the recipe closely: When making Gotong Batangas, it's important to follow the recipe closely, especially if you're new to cooking this dish. Pay attention to the cooking times and measurements to ensure that your soup turns out well.
Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: Since the ingredients are the star of the dish, it's best to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor. Look for fresh beef tripe, ox feet, and vegetables at your local market or grocery store.
Don't rush the cooking process: Gotong Batangas is a soup that requires a long cooking time to develop its rich and hearty flavor. Be patient and allow the soup to simmer for at least 3 hours, or until the meat and tripe are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Gotong Batangas is traditionally seasoned with fish sauce and black pepper, but you can adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more or less fish sauce and pepper, and consider adding chili peppers or calamansi juice for a spicy and tangy flavor.
Serve with the recommended side dishes: To complete the meal, serve Gotong Batangas with steamed rice and a side of crispy fried fish or grilled meat. You can also add other side dishes like puto, lumpia, or garlic fried rice for a more filling and satisfying meal.

Potential ingredients substitutes

While it's best to use the traditional ingredients for Gotong Batangas, there are some possible substitutes you can use if certain ingredients are not available or if you have dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions:

Beef tripe substitute: If you can't find beef tripe or don't like the texture, you can substitute it with beef tendon, beef brisket, or beef shank. These cuts of meat will still give the soup a rich and hearty flavor.
Ox feet substitute: If you can't find ox feet or prefer not to use them, you can substitute them with beef bones or pork bones. These bones will add a rich and flavorful broth to the soup.
Malunggay substitute: If you can't find malunggay leaves, you can use spinach or kale instead. These greens will provide a similar flavor and texture to the soup.
Onion substitute: If you don't have onions or are allergic to them, you can use shallots or leeks instead. These vegetables will provide a similar flavor and aroma to the soup.
Fish sauce substitute: If you don't have fish sauce or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with soy sauce or salt. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Chili pepper substitute: If you don't have chili peppers or prefer a milder flavor, you can omit them or use red pepper flakes instead.

What more?

Variations: Gotong Batangas is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste preferences. Some variations include adding peanut butter or coconut milk to the soup for a richer and creamier flavor. Some also add other vegetables like okra, eggplant, or bok choy.
Leftovers: Gotong Batangas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat until it's heated through.
Health benefits: Gotong Batangas is a nutrient-dense soup that's rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Beef tripe is a good source of iron and zinc, while malunggay leaves are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. However, the soup is also high in sodium due to the use of fish sauce, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.
Cultural significance: Gotong Batangas is a beloved dish in the Philippines, particularly in the Batangas region. It's often served during special occasions and family gatherings, and is considered a comfort food by many Filipinos.

Enjoy a bowl of Gotong Batangas and savor the warmth and comfort of this traditional Filipino soup. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own.