Caldo de Res

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful Broth: Slow-cooked beef shank imparts a deep, savory taste to the broth.

• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini, offering a balanced and wholesome meal.

• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness with serrano peppers to suit your preference.

• Perfect for Gatherings: Serves multiple people, making it ideal for family meals or social events.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Beef shank (with bone)

• Olive oil

• Onion

• Garlic

• Carrots

• Potatoes

• Zucchini

• Corn

• Cilantro

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Bay leaves

• Serrano peppers

• Water

• Lime juice (optional)

Directions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef shank and brown on all sides for about 8-10 minutes.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.

3. Simmer the Broth: Pour in water, add bay leaves, salt, pepper, and serrano peppers. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours until the beef is tender and the broth is flavorful.

4. Add Vegetables: Incorporate chopped carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and corn into the pot. Continue to simmer for 30-45 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

5. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Add lime juice for a bright finish if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 3 hours

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Choices: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like green beans, cabbage, or chayote based on availability and preference.

• Spice Level: Adjust the number of serrano peppers to control the heat. For a milder soup, omit them entirely.

• Herb Garnish: Experiment with adding fresh mint or parsley alongside cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming.

FAQs

What is Caldo de Res?

Caldo de Res is a traditional Mexican beef soup made with beef shank and a variety of vegetables, simmered to create a rich and flavorful broth.

Can I make Caldo de Res in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare Caldo de Res in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics before transferring all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender.

What cuts of beef are best for this soup?

Beef shank is traditionally used for its flavor and tenderness. However, beef short ribs or oxtail can also be used as alternatives.

Is Caldo de Res gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How can I make the broth more flavorful?

Allowing the soup to simmer for a longer period helps develop a richer broth. Additionally, using bone-in beef cuts enhances the depth of flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely. Common additions include green beans, cabbage, and chayote. Feel free to customize the soup with your preferred vegetables.

How do I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

The heat level can be controlled by the number of serrano peppers used. For a milder soup, reduce the quantity or omit them entirely.

What should I serve with Caldo de Res?

This soup pairs well with warm corn tortillas, Mexican rice, or a simple side salad.

Can I prepare Caldo de Res ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance and often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before simmering?

Browning the beef enhances the depth of flavor in the soup, but if short on time, you can skip this step and proceed with simmering.

Conclusion

Caldo de Res is a comforting and nutritious Mexican beef soup that brings warmth and flavor to your table. Its combination of tender beef and hearty vegetables makes it a meal everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish is sure to be a hit.