Mechado is a Filipino beef stew with Spanish influences, known for its rich tomato-based sauce and tender beef. The dish has evolved over time, incorporating both traditional and modern elements. The name “Mechado” comes from the Spanish word mecha, meaning “wick” or “to thread.” Traditionally, a strip of pork fat (mecha) was inserted into tougher cuts of beef to add moisture and flavour, similar to the larding technique in European cooking. This…