Caldo de Patas
A hearty and flavorful soup made from beef feet, it's known for its rich broth and gelatinous texture, often considered a delicacy and a restorative dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Beef feet(cleaned and cut into pieces)
- 4 liters Water
- 4 ears Corn on the cob(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 medium Chayote(peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks)
- 1 large Onion(quartered)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(smashed)
- 1 bunch Cilantro(tied with string)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Lime wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the beef feet thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then drain and rinse the feet again to remove impurities. This step helps to ensure a cleaner broth.
💡 Tip: Rinsing twice is recommended for a clearer soup. - 2
Return the beef feet to the pot and add 4 liters of fresh water, the quartered onion, and smashed garlic cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef feet are tender.
⏱️ 2 hours💡 Tip: Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of simmering. - 3
Add the corn on the cob, carrots, potatoes, and chayote to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender.
⏱️ 1 hour💡 Tip: Add vegetables in stages if you prefer them cooked to different degrees of tenderness. - 4
Add the bunch of cilantro to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Remove and discard the onion quarters and garlic cloves. Ladle the Caldo de Patas into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good portion of beef feet and vegetables. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
💡 Tip: Some people like to shred the meat from the beef feet before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The longer you simmer the beef feet, the richer and more gelatinous the broth will be.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired soup consistency.
- ✓For a spicier kick, add a jalapeño or serrano pepper to the soup while it simmers.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like yuca or sweet potatoes.
- Some versions include tripe for added texture and flavor.