Mondongo Costarricense
A hearty and traditional Costa Rican soup made with beef tripe, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This dish is a testament to the resourcefulness of Costa Rican cuisine, often found in local eateries rather than tourist hotspots.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef tripe(cleaned and trimmed)
- 3 large Lemons(halved)
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 quarts Water
- 3 tbsp Oil
- 2 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Green bell peppers(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Oregano(dried)
- 2 cups Tomatoes(seeded and chopped)
- 1 lb Cassava (yuca) or potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 lb Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 3 medium Green plantains(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 head Cabbage(coarsely chopped)
- 1 bunch Cilantro(chopped)
- to taste Salt and pepper
👨‍🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the cleaned tripe in a large pot with the halved lemons, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the tripe is tender.
- 2
While the tripe simmers, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and dried oregano to the skillet and sauté for another minute. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and simmer for 3-4 minutes more. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 4
Once the tripe is tender, remove it from the pot and set aside. Strain the cooking liquid and discard any solids.
- 5
Cut the cooked tripe into bite-sized pieces. Return the tripe to the pot with the strained cooking liquid.
- 6
Add the sautéed vegetable and tomato mixture to the pot. Stir in the cassava (or potatoes), sweet potatoes, and green plantains. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 7
Add the chopped cabbage and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
- 8
Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips
- âś“Ensure the tripe is thoroughly cleaned before cooking to remove any impurities.
- âś“For a richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf to the tripe while it's simmering.
- âś“This soup is often served with a side of white rice.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include other vegetables like carrots or corn.
- A touch of chili can be added for a spicier version.