Recipe: Filipino Beef Torta (or Tortilla)

Torta (or tortilla) is a Filipino omelette made with ground beef. My mother makes them into individual size patties, which I called mini hamburgers when I was younger. My mother-in-law makes them into big servings, almost like a frittata. This recipe can be used for either, but I’m listing directions for the smaller portions.

Torta

Serves 2 to 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb of lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 small yellow potato, skin removed, cut into small cubes
• 1 small tomato (or 1 handful of cherry tomatoes), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely diced
• 1/4 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 cup of water
• salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic and onion for about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes. While cooking, break the beef into smaller crumbles.
4. Remove excess oil.
5. Add tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. If using peas, add with tomatoes.
6. Add potatoes, soy sauce, and water. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
7. Pour contents into a bowl and let cool.
8. Add beaten eggs and cornstarch to the meat mixture. Mix well.
9. In another pan, heat enough oil to coat the bottom of skillet.
10. Pour contents, forming about 3 to 4 patties onto the skillet.
11. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes on the other
12. Drain on paper towels.
13. Serve with hot rice and ketchup or hot sauce.