Caldo de Res Costarricense
A hearty and flavorful beef soup, Caldo de Res is a comforting Costa Rican classic, brimming with tender chunks of beef, a variety of root vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It's a staple in many Tico households, especially on cooler days.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Beef shank or oxtail
- 4 liters Water
- 1 large Onion(quartered)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(smashed)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks(roughly chopped)
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
- 3 ears Corn on the cob(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 2 medium Chayote squash(peeled, seeded, and cut into large chunks)
- 1 piece Yuca (cassava)(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 0.5 head Cabbage(cut into wedges)
- 0.5 bunch Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large stockpot, combine the beef, water, onion, garlic, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours - 2
Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of simmering.
💡 Tip: This helps create a clearer broth. - 3
Add the corn, potatoes, carrots, chayote, and yuca to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
⏱️ 30-45 minutes - 4
Add the cabbage wedges during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, until they are tender-crisp.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 5
Season the soup generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 6
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of beef and vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
💡 Tip: Serve hot, with a side of white rice and lime wedges.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer broth, you can use beef shank with bone or oxtail.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pot; ensure vegetables are submerged in broth.
- ✓Adjust cooking times based on the tenderness of your beef and vegetables.
- ✓Some variations include adding plantains or sweet potatoes.
🔄 Variations
- Add plantain chunks along with other root vegetables for a touch of sweetness.
- Incorporate a small piece of ñame (yam) for added flavor and texture.