CALDO DE RES — A Hearty Mexican Beef Soup

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Growing up I had no shortage of hearty Mexican soups thanks to my mom. I had my favorites like menudo and pozole, and when I conjure these memories I always think of my mama. But with caldo de res, or beef soup, I always think of my dad. It is not because he cooked it for us, but because of the way he ate it: with lots of lime, rolled corn tortillas and a wide grin. He would place the corn tortilla in the palm of his left hand and roll it with his right hand by rubbing the two together. It was like magic to a hungry little boy. Well my pops has not been feeling well, and while we expect him to make a full recovery, I can’t help but miss him. This Caldo de Res is for my papa in Colorado. May he get well soon.

Caldo de Res

Caldo de Res (Beef Soup)
Serves 6-8

Ingredients:
1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ½ – 2 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
2 pounds beef shank
1 large yellow onion, diced
2-3 large garlic cloves, minced
2-3 serrano peppers, seeded, minced (optional)
4 cups beef broth
8-10 cups water
2 ears of corn, cleaned, chopped in 4-5 smaller pieces
2 large carrots, sliced in 1 inch rounds or half-moons
3-4 Russet potatoes, large diced
2 large squash, sliced in 1 inch rounds or half-moons
Kosher Salt
Ground black pepper
I head of green cabbage, cut in large chunks
½ bunch cilantro, roughly chopped

To Serve:
Lime wedges
Sliced radishes
Warm corn tortillas

Procedure:
1. In a large heavy soup pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, brown the meat. To prevent the meat from steaming, pat the meat dry with a paper towel before adding to the pot and brown the meat in batches.

2. Remove the meat and reserve. Over medium heat, add the onion and allow to sweat for about 3 minutes. Then add the garlic and serranos. Stir often. Drizzle in more oil as needed to prevent the garlic from burning.

3. Add the broth and return the meat to the pot. Add the water until the pot is about 2/3 full. Bring to a boil over high heat, which will take about 8-10 minutes for a pot this size.

4. Reduce to a simmer. Place the lid on the pot but leave it uncovered just a little bit. Cook for about 90 minutes, or until the meat is tender.

5. Once the meat is tender, add the corn and carrots and cook at a simmer for about 10 minutes.

6. Add the potatoes and squash and cook for about 10 minutes.

7. Add more broth/water as needed to keep the pot 2/3 full. Adjust the seasoning.

8. Add the cabbage and cilantro and cook for another 10 minutes.

9. Serve with wedges of lime, sliced radishes and warm corn tortillas.

Caldo de Res

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9 Comments

  1. Art,

    Thinking of you and your dad. Nice post. Wishing him and your family well.

  2. This warms the soul! Simplicity at it’s finest. Thank you for posting & hope all turned out well!

  3. It is a pleasure to read a recipe that not only sounds delicious but is very well written and clear.

  4. For my first attempt at making caldo, I followed this recipe. It was a success and would definitely recommend for any beginners at cooking!

    • And 100 degree weather is perfect for caldo…just ask our abuelas! Seriously though, this is a great recipe to have year-round. Happy cooking!

  5. With the rain coming this weekend it’s the perfect time to finally try this recipe. Thanks my loves!!!

    • Stephen Chavez

      Demetria – how did it come out? We never got a special delivery from you. 🙂

  6. This sounds so delicious and looks so pretty. Just have a stupid question: How do you eat the corn? Fish it out and hold it with your hand? Or cut off the kernels ahead of time? Something else I am not thinking of?

    • Stephen Chavez

      Most people will fish out the corn on the cob and eat it with their hands.

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