How to Make Caldo de Res: A Delicious Mexican Beef Soup Recipe

Do you want to have a warm and satisfying meal that is not only delicious but also nutritious? You may want to try making caldo de res, a traditional Mexican beef soup that is perfect for chilly days. It’s not as complicated as you might think, and the end result is always worth the effort.

Caldo de res can be made in many ways, depending on the region and personal preferences, but the basic ingredients are usually the same. You will need beef chunks, broth or water, vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and corn on the cob, and some seasoning like onion, garlic, and cilantro. Some recipes also call for other add-ins like chayote, cabbage, and tomato, but that’s up to you. The key is to simmer everything until the beef is tender and the flavors have blended together into a hearty bowl of goodness. Let’s get started!

Introduction:

Caldo de res is a beloved Mexican dish that is savory, hearty, and oh-so-comforting. This nourishing soup is filled with chunks of beef, vegetables, and aromatic spices, and it is sure to warm you up from the inside out. If you’re craving a bowl of this traditional soup but don’t know how to make it, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect caldo de res.

1. Choose the Right Beef:

The first step in making a delicious caldo de res is choosing the right cut of beef. For this recipe, it’s best to use a tougher cut of beef, like chuck, shank, or brisket. A tougher cut of meat will become fork-tender after simmering in the broth for a long time.

2. Cut the Beef:

After you’ve chosen your meat, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Cut the beef into large, two-inch pieces. This will help ensure that the meat stays juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.

3. Brown the Meat:

Before adding the beef to the pot, you need to brown it first. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add the beef. Brown the beef on all sides until it is nicely caramelized.

4. Add the Vegetables:

Once the beef is browned, it’s time to add the vegetables. You can use any vegetables you like, but traditional caldo de res usually includes carrots, potatoes, squash, and corn. Cut the vegetables into large chunks and add them to the pot.

5. Add the Broth:

To make the broth, add water to the pot containing the beef and vegetables. It’s important to use enough water to cover the beef completely. Next, add the spices, including garlic, bay leaves, cumin, and oregano.

6. Simmer the Soup:

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for several hours. This long cooking time helps to tenderize the beef and infuse the broth with rich, savory flavors.

7. Skim the Fat:

As the soup simmers, some fat will begin to rise to the surface. Skim the fat off periodically to prevent the soup from becoming too greasy.

8. Adjust the Seasonings:

After a few hours of simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano, depending on your preferences.

9. Serve Hot:

Once the soup is done cooking, ladle it into bowls and serve it hot. You can also garnish the soup with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and diced avocado for some extra flavor and texture.

10. Store Leftovers:

If you have any leftover soup, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply heat it up on the stove or in the microwave until it is hot throughout.

Conclusion:

Now that you know the secrets to making a delicious caldo de res, it’s time to get cooking! With a little bit of patience and some carefully chosen ingredients, you can create a soup that is both nutritious and delicious. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a big bowl of comforting caldo de res.

Ingredients for Caldo de Res

Caldo de Res is a classic Mexican dish that is typically made with beef and vegetables. The key to a delicious caldo de res is using quality ingredients, including flavorful beef cuts, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Here are the ingredients you will need:

1. Beef: You can use different cuts of beef for your caldo de res, including beef shanks, stew meat, short ribs, or chuck roast. Choose a cut with some fat and connective tissue that will break down during cooking and add flavor and richness to the broth.

2. Vegetables: Traditional caldo de res includes carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, corn, and cabbage. You can also add other vegetables that you have on hand, such as zucchini, green beans, or chayote.

3. Spices: The main spices used in caldo de res are garlic, bay leaves, cumin, and Mexican oregano. You can also add other spices to your liking, such as thyme or chipotle powder.

4. Broth: You will need enough broth to cover the beef and vegetables in the pot. You can use homemade beef broth or store-bought beef broth. Alternatively, you can use chicken or vegetable broth as well.

5. Water: You may need to add water during cooking to keep the ingredients covered and prevent the broth from reducing too much.

6. Salt: Add salt to taste, but keep in mind that the broth will reduce during cooking, so it’s better to add less salt at first and adjust later.

7. Lime: A squeeze of lime adds a zesty touch to the soup and helps balance the flavors.

8. Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbal flavor to the caldo de res. You can stir it into the soup at the end of cooking or use it as a garnish.

9. Oil: Use a neutral oil, such as canola, corn, or vegetable oil, to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables before adding the broth.

10. Garnishes: Serve your caldo de res hot and topped with your favorite garnishes, such as chopped onion, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, lime wedges, or crushed tortilla chips.

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to make a delicious and comforting caldo de res that will warm you up from the inside out. Let’s move on to the next section and learn how to prepare the beef and vegetables for the soup.

Ingredients and Preparation

Caldo de res is a hearty beef soup that’s perfect for cold winter nights or when you need something to warm you up. The broth is made with different cuts of beef, bones, and vegetables, and seasoned with a variety of spices to create a flavorful and satisfying soup.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and preparation method for making caldo de res.

Cutting the Meat and Vegetables

To make the caldo de res, start by cutting the beef shank into small cubes. You can also use other cuts of beef, such as beef chuck or beef round, but the shank will give the soup a richer flavor.

Next, peel and chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrots, potatoes, and celery into small pieces. You can also add other vegetables, such as corn, cabbage, or zucchini.

Making the Broth

Once all the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to make the broth. Start by adding the beef bones to a large pot and pouring in 8 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1-2 hours.

After the bones have been simmering for a while, add the beef cubes and continue to simmer for another hour. Skim off any excess fat or foam that rises to the top.

Next, add the dissolved tomato paste, chopped vegetables, salt, black pepper, oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Simmer for another hour until the vegetables are tender and the soup is flavorful.

Serving the Caldo de Res

Once the soup is ready, remove the bones and bay leaf from the pot and discard them. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread. Some people also like to add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. Enjoy!

Time to Get Cooking!

Now you have all the steps to make a delicious and comforting caldo de res at home. Just remember to use fresh ingredients, chop everything evenly, and don’t be afraid to add extra seasoning to your liking. It’s a perfect dish for a chilly day or when you need a comforting meal. Thanks for reading and I hope you try out this recipe soon. Be sure to come back for more delicious recipes!