Kansi (beef soup) Recipe

Kansi is a type of beef soup that is describe as having a similar taste between the popular Filipino dish called bulalo and sinigang. However, Kansi has its own distinct characteristics. The soup is seasoned with the aroma and flavor of lemon grass and red orange annatto extract. It is widely known and originated in the Western Visayas region. This specific dish is a specialty of Iloilo. The main ingredients are beef shank, young jackfruit, lemon grass, annatto oil and batuan. Batuan is a sour fruit that is abundantly grown in Southeast Asia and it is commonly use as souring factor in many of the native cooking recipes of the provinces.

I wish I could make this recipe with fresh ingredients to be as authentic as I can, but I used whatever Asian ingredients that is available in where I live. I have to be resourceful when finding substitute ingredients for my cold and rainy day cravings. So, I used canned young jackfruit and Sinigang sa Sampaloc Mix as the souring agent. I highly recommend using beef with bone marrow attached because the bone will add a rich buttery flavor and creamy texture to the broth. Also for easy and quick softening of the meat, I suggest to use a pressure cooker if you have one.

If you desire this type of food, you will find a way to make it happen! Try this recipe and let me know what you think.

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes

 

Ingredients:

• 6 cups water
• 3 ½ lbs Beef shanks or beef chuck
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 3 small Thai red chilis
• 2 banana peppers
• 1 medium size onion
• 1 20 oz. (565 g) Jackfruit in can
• 2 tbsp. Sinigang Mix sa Sampaloc
• 4 stalks Lemongrass – bruised, folded and tied with kitchen twine

• 1 tsp crushed peppercorns
• ¼ cup cooking oil
• 1 tsp annatto powder

 

For annatto oil:

• ¼ cup Cooking oil
• 1 tsp annatto powder

 

Instructions:

How to make annatto oil?

1. Mix annatto powder and cooking oil in small bowl. Stir until mix.
2. In low heat, pour the mixture in a pan. Stir until the annatto powder is completely diffuse in oil. Set aside.

How to make the main dish:

1. Pour 6 cups of water in a pot then add the meat. Let it boil.
2. Add the lemon grass, crushed peppercorn and onion.
3. Cook the meat for 2 hours or until meat is soft. Add water if needed.
4. Stir in canned jack fruit for 5 minutes (if using fresh jackfruit, you may add more minutes)
5. Add the red chilis and banana peppers. Cook for 2 minutes.
6. Pour in Sinigang Mix and annatto oil. Add fish sauce to taste. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!