Caldo de Pata
A hearty and flavorful soup made from cow's feet, vegetables, and spices. It's known for its rich broth and tender meat, often considered a delicacy and a restorative dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Cow's feet(cleaned and cut into pieces)
- 10 cups Water
- 2 ears Corn on the cob(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 medium Chayote squash(peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 1/4 head Cabbage(cut into wedges)
- 1 medium Onion(quartered)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(smashed)
- 1 bunch Cilantro
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Lime wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the cow's feet thoroughly. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then drain and rinse the feet again to remove impurities.
- 2
Return the cow's feet to the pot and add 10 cups of fresh water, the quartered onion, and smashed garlic cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the meat is very tender.
- 3
Add the corn on the cob, chayote, and carrots to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
- 4
Add the cabbage wedges and cilantro bunch to the pot. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- 5
Season the soup generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 6
Remove the onion, garlic, and cilantro bunch before serving.
- 7
Serve hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing into the soup.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The initial boiling and rinsing of the cow's feet is crucial for a clean-tasting broth.
- ✓Cooking time for the cow's feet can vary; ensure the meat is falling off the bone before adding vegetables.
- ✓Some variations include adding tripe or other offal for a more robust flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of ground cumin for an earthy note.
- Some recipes include a small amount of diced tomatoes for color and acidity.