RecipesBelizeBelizean Cow Foot Soup

Belizean Cow Foot Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup made with tender cow's foot, root vegetables, and aromatic spices, often considered a comfort food in Belize.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 30 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Belizean Cow Foot Soup - Belize traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Cow's foot(cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 6 cups Water
  • 1 large Onion(chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(crushed)
  • 2 large Carrots(peeled and diced)
  • 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and diced)
  • 1 lb Coco yams (or malanga/taro root)(peeled and cubed)
  • 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
  • 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
  • 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper(optional, for heat)
  • 2 tbsp Oil(for sautéing)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Season the cow foot pieces with salt and pepper. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

    💡 Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate for a few hours or overnight.
  2. 2

    Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned cow foot and brown on all sides. Remove cow foot and set aside.

  3. 3

    Add chopped onion and crushed garlic to the same pot. Sauté until onions are translucent.

  4. 4

    Stir in tomato paste, thyme, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Return the browned cow foot to the pot. Add diced carrots, potatoes, coco yams, chopped bell pepper, and chopped tomatoes. Add water and the optional scotch bonnet pepper.

    💡 Tip: Ensure water covers all ingredients; add more if needed.
  6. 6

    Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the cow foot is very tender.

    💡 Tip: Check periodically and stir to prevent sticking. Remove scotch bonnet pepper before serving if desired.
  7. 7

    Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.

    💡 Tip: Serve hot, often with white rice.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For a richer flavor, some recipes suggest adding beef consommé or chicken bouillon.
  • Okra can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added texture.
  • This soup is often enjoyed with a dash of Marie Sharp's Habanero Pepper Sauce for extra heat.

🔄 Variations

  • Add tripe along with the cow foot for an even heartier soup.
  • Include other root vegetables like yams or sweet potatoes.

🏷️ Tags