How To Make Caldo De Res

Introduction

Caldo de Res, also known as Mexican beef soup, is a hearty and flavorful stew that is perfect for colder weather or whenever you’re craving a comforting meal. This traditional dish is popular in Mexican cuisine and is beloved for its rich broth, tender beef, and a variety of vegetables. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making delicious Caldo de Res right at home.

Ingredients

For the broth:

• 2 pounds of beef shank
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 10 cups of water

For the soup:

• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 corn on the cob, cut into rounds
• 1/2 cabbage, sliced
• 1 chayote squash, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the broth:

1. In a large pot, combine the beef shank, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
3. Skim off any foam that rises to the top during cooking.

2. Prepare the soup:

1. Once the beef is tender, remove it from the broth and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Strain the broth to remove any solids and return it to the pot.
3. Add the shredded beef back to the broth.
4. Add the carrots, potatoes, zucchini, corn, cabbage, chayote squash, onion, and garlic to the pot.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through.

3. Serve:

1. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
2. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
3. Serve hot with warm tortillas, lime wedges, and your favorite hot sauce.

Tips and Variations

1. Meat: You can use other cuts of beef such as beef chuck or brisket for the stew. Just make sure to cook until tender.

2. Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the soup. Some popular additions include chayote squash, green beans, and peas.

3. Broth: For a richer flavor, you can add beef bouillon or stock to the broth.

4. Spices: Enhance the flavor of the soup by adding spices such as cumin, oregano, or dried chilies.

Conclusion

Caldo de Res is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can make this traditional Mexican soup at home and impress your family and friends. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of Caldo de Res with this recipe. Bon appétit!