Caldo de Res Salvadoreño Estilo Occidente
A hearty and flavorful beef soup, this 'Estilo Occidente' version of Caldo de Res features tender chunks of beef, a medley of root vegetables, and a rich, aromatic broth, representing a distinct regional variation from western El Salvador.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Beef shank or chuck roast(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 4 liters Water
- 3 ears Corn on the cob(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 4 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 4 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks)
- 2 medium Chayote squash(peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 200 g Green beans(trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 0.5 medium Cabbage(cut into wedges)
- 1 large Onion(quartered)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(smashed)
- 1 bunch Cilantro(tied with kitchen twine)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Lime wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the beef, water, onion, and smashed garlic cloves. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of simmering.
- 2
Add the corn, carrots, chayote, and the tied bunch of cilantro to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes.
- 3
Add the potatoes and green beans to the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- 4
Add the cabbage wedges and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
- 5
Remove the onion, garlic, and cilantro bunch. Season the soup generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good portion of beef and vegetables. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer broth, you can brown the beef pieces before adding water.
- ✓Adjust the cooking time for vegetables based on your preference for tenderness.
- ✓If you don't have chayote, zucchini can be a substitute, though it will cook faster.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few sprigs of fresh mint along with the cilantro for an added layer of freshness.
- Some variations include adding plantains for a touch of sweetness.