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Lucban Hardinera on a white serving platter with plate of steamed rice on the side
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5 from 2 votes

Hardinera

Lucban Hardinera is a steamed meatloaf made with a delicious mix of braised pork, luncheon meat, ketchup, sweet pickles, bell peppers, cheese, raisins, and pineapple tidbits. It's the perfect balance of savory and sweet that will have your guests coming back for more!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Main Entree
Cuisine: Filipino
Servings: 12 Servings
Calories: 262kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds whole pork butt, cut into four parts
  • 1 onion, peeled and sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 2 cups tomato ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • salt
  • water
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
  • 1 cup luncheon meat, diced
  • 1 cup pineapple tidbits
  • 1 cup cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
  • 2 tablespoons raisins
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • butter, softened
  • 4 eggs, well beaten

Garnish

  • 4 pineapple slices, halved
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and cut into slices
  • carrot florets
  • red bell pepper strips

Instructions

  • Rinse pork and drain well.
  • In a deep pot, combine pork, sliced onions, crushed garlic, 1 cup of the ketchup, 1 tablespoon of the tomato paste, 1 teaspoon salt, and enough water to cover. Stir to distribute.
  • Bring to a boil, skimming scum that floats on top. Lower heat, cover, and cook for about 1 to 1 ½ hours or until meat is fork-tender.
  • Remove pork from the pot and allow to cool to touch. Cut into small cubes.
  • In a wide pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened. 
  • Add the remaining 1 cup tomato ketchup and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Stir and simmer for 1 minute or until heated through.
  • Add pork, luncheon meat, bell peppers, sweet relish, cheese, pineapple tidbits, raisins, sugar, and salt to taste.
  • Add about ½ cup water and continue to cook until the sauce is mostly absorbed.
  • Transfer mixture to a large bowl and allow to cool completely.
  • Brush the bottom and sides of three llaneras with softened butter. Line each with banana leaf cut in oval shape large enough to cover the bottom of the molds. and lightly brush with butter.
  • Arrange boiled egg slices, pineapple slices, bell pepper strips, and carrot florets on top of the banana leaves.
  • Divide and pour half of the beaten eggs into each llanera molds over the garnishings. 
  • Spoon pork mixture into the molds. Pack the mixture well and smooth top.
  • Divide and pour the remaining half of the egg mixture over the pork mixture, spreading across to fully cover the top. 
  • Cover each llanera tightly with aluminum foil. Steam for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the meat mixture is set.
  • Let stand for about 8 to 10 minutes and then invert on a serving platter. Peel the banana leaf and slice into serving portions. Or refrigerate for at least an hour or until completely cold. 
  • Serve hot or cold.

Video

Notes

  • Simmer until the sauce is absorbed and the mixture is mostly dry. Too much liquid will keep the meatloaf from setting well.
  • Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Let cool completely before adding the beaten eggs, lest they cook and curdle in the residual heat.
  • Let stand for about 8 to 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, then invert to a serving platter. Or refrigerate until completely cold before serving.
  • This recipe makes 3 llaneras at four servings each.

Nutrition

Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 667mg | Potassium: 452mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1750IU | Vitamin C: 23.5mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 1.7mg