Caldo de Mondongo Guatemalteco
A hearty and traditional tripe soup, 'Caldo de Mondongo' is a rich and comforting dish, often prepared for special occasions or as a robust family meal, showcasing slow-cooked flavors and tender ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef tripe(cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 500 g Beef bones(for broth)
- 4 liters Water
- 1 large Onion(quartered)
- 6 whole Garlic cloves
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 200 g Green beans(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 1/2 bunch Cilantro(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the tripe thoroughly. In a large pot, combine the tripe, beef bones, water, quartered onion, garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the tripe is very tender.
💡 Tip: Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the initial boiling. - 2
Once the tripe is tender, remove the beef bones, onion, and bay leaves. Discard them. Strain the broth and return the tripe to the pot. Add the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper.
💡 Tip: If you prefer a smoother broth, you can strain it through cheesecloth. - 3
Add the carrots, potatoes, and green beans to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 4
Stir in the chopped cilantro. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Add cilantro towards the end of cooking to preserve its fresh flavor and aroma. - 5
Serve hot, with a side of lime wedges and tortillas if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the tripe is very well cleaned before cooking. If using pre-cleaned tripe, rinse it thoroughly.
- ✓The long simmering time is essential for tenderizing the tripe.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cumin or a small piece of dried chili pepper during the simmering process.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include hominy for added texture.
- A small amount of masa harina mixed with water can be added to thicken the soup slightly.
- For a spicier version, add a minced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the tomatoes.