Ground Beef and Chayote Soup (Picadillo)

Splendid dish to serve guests or family members.

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. Beef (ground)
1 tsp Garlic (minced)
1 med-size Onion (sliced)
1 med-size Tomato (chopped)
2 Chayotes (peeled & diced)
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
4-5 cup Water
1/2 tsp MSG
1 tbsp Corn Oil
1 tbsp Fish sauce
1/2 tsp Sugar


Procedure:

1. In a large saucepan, saute garlic, onions, and tomatoes.
2. When tomato skin has curled, add ground beef and pan fry until meat juices appear. Stir in salt and pepper, MSG, fish sauce and sugar.
3. Add water and bring to boil. Add chayote; reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve while it's hot.

Serves 4-6 persons.


Variations:

1. Saute julienned ginger root, about the size of a thumb, to spices. Omit tomatoes and chayotes; substitute 2 med-size potatoes (cubed).
2. Instead of chayotes, use upo or bottle gourd.
3. Instead of beef, use ground pork.


Enjoy this easy recipe. :)