Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)

Description

This is an extremely hearty and satisfying soup. The hind shank flavors the broth beautifully as does the marrow in the bones. Garnish with slivered raw onion, lime juice, jalapenos, and more cilantro.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef shank, with bone
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 medium carrot, coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 potato, quartered (Optional)
  • 2 ears corn, husked and cut into thirds
  • 2 chayotes, quartered (Optional)
  • 1 medium head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
  • ¼ cup sliced pickled jalapenos
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • 4 radishes, quartered

Instructions

  1. Cut the meat from the beef bones into about 1/2 inch pieces
  2. leaving some on the bones.
  3. Heat a heavy soup pot over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the oil
  4. tilting the pan to coat the bottom. Add the meat and bones
  5. and season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until thoroughly browned.
  6. Add 1 onion
  7. and cook until onion is also lightly browned. Stir in the tomatoes and broth. The liquid should cover the bones by 1/2 inch. If not
  8. add enough water to compensate. Reduce heat to low
  9. and simmer for 1 hour with the lid on loosely. If meat is not tender
  10. continue cooking for another 10 minutes or so.
  11. Pour in the water
  12. and return to a simmer. Add the carrot and 1/4 cup cilantro
  13. and cook for 10 minutes
  14. then stir in the potato
  15. corn and chayote. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Push the cabbage wedges into the soup
  16. and cook for about 10 more minutes.
  17. Ladle soup into large bowls
  18. including meat vegetables and bones. Garnish with jalapenos
  19. minced onion
  20. and additional cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over all
  21. and serve with radishes.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 2 hrs

Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Servings: 8

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