Kare Kare (Filipino Oxtail, Vegetable & Peanut Sauce Stew)

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1. 1Step 1: In a large stock pot over medium high heat, add the vegetable oil and sear the pieces of meat until each side has a nice brown crust, about one minute per side. Sear in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
2. 2Step 2: Set the meat aside on a clean plate. Add the chopped onions and saute for about one to two minutes until slightly translucent. Then add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. 3Step 3: Add about two cups of water to the pot and deglaze the bottom.
4. 4Step 4: Add all the meat, the rest of the water, and salt into the pot and bring to a boil. Lower to medium low heat to a simmer, cover, and braise for 2-3 hours or until the oxtail and beef shank pieces are super tender and fall off the bone.
5. 5Step 5: Ground peanuts: place peanuts in a food processor or powerful blender and process until fine pieces, about 10 seconds. Do not blend too long or it will turn into a paste.
6. 6Step 6: Toasted ground rice: In a small pan over medium heat, add the rice and stir constantly until it begins to turn brown on the edges of the grains, about one minute. Move the pan around to prevent burning. Turn off the heat and allow the rice to cool for about five minutes.
7. 7Step 7: Transfer to a strong blender like a Nutribullet. Process the rice until it turns into fine pieces, like powder.
8. 8Step 8: Banana flower: Peel the tough purple leaves of the banana flower off until you reach the lighter yellow center. Once you reach the center, cut the heart into quarters and soak it in a lemon or lime water bath to prevent it from changing colors.
9. 9Step 9: Vegetable blanching: Prep the vegetables (eggplants, banana hearts, string beans, and bok choy) by cleaning them in water and cutting them into the appropriate size. In a pot of boiling water, cook each vegetable until slightly tender, then give them an ice bath to prevent further cooking.
10. 10Step 10: In a pot over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and saute the chopped onions for about one minute or until slightly translucent. Then add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds.
11. 11Step 11: Add in the braising liquid (without the meat for now), annatto powder, and peanut butter. Stir together until combined.
12. 12Step 12: Add the ground peanuts, toasted ground rice, and fish sauce into the pot and stir until all ingredients are incorporated.
13. 13Step 13: Then add the braised meat and mix in the salt and pepper.
14. 14Step 14: Simmer for about 15 minutes on low to thicken. Taste the sauce to see if it needs adjusting.
15. 15Step 15: Add in the blanched vegetables and cook for an additional 3 minutes and stir.
16. 16Step 16: Serve with fermented shrimp paste on the side and enjoy.