Caldo de Res
A traditional Mexican beef and vegetable soup simmered with aromatic spices until tender and flavorful. Served hot with lime, cilantro, and warm tortillas for a comforting, nourishing meal.
- Total time
- 90 min
- Servings
- 6
- Calories
- 385
- Protein
- 38g
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck or short ribs
- 1 lb beef bone or marrow bone
- 12 cups water
- 1 whole white onion, halved
- 6 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 whole dried ancho chiles
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 3 medium carrots, cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
- 3 stalks celery stalks, cut into thirds
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into chunks
- 1 cup corn kernels or whole baby corn
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 whole limes, cut into wedges
Instructions
- 1
Rinse beef and bones under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- 2
Remove stems and seeds from dried ancho chiles. Toast lightly in a dry skillet for 30 seconds, then soak in 1 cup hot water for 10 minutes.
- 3
Toast cumin seeds in the same skillet for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
In a large 8-quart pot, bring 12 cups water to a boil. Add beef, bones, halved onion, and garlic cloves. Skim foam from surface for 2-3 minutes.
- 5
Strain soaked ancho chiles, reserving soaking liquid. Blend softened chiles with 0.5 cup soaking liquid until smooth. Strain through fine mesh into broth.
- 6
Add toasted cumin, bay leaves, salt, and peppercorns. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, skimming occasionally.
- 7
Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Simmer for 15 minutes until slightly softened.
- 8
Add zucchini and corn. Simmer for 10 more minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- 9
Remove onion, garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- 10
Ladle into bowls, dividing beef, bones, and vegetables evenly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges and warm tortillas.
Tools you’ll need
- 8-quart pot
- dry skillet
- slotted spoon
- blender
- fine mesh strainer
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- ladle
Cook smarter
Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge
CookSnap is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.
