Mexican Comfort (Print Version)
Ingredients:
01 -
3 pounds beef shank (or use short rib or beef chuck).
02 -
8-10 cups water.
03 -
1 large onion, roughly chopped.
04 -
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped.
05 -
10 cloves garlic, roughly chopped.
06 -
5 chile de arbol peppers (optional; other dried chiles can be used).
07 -
3 bay leaves.
08 -
1 tablespoon black peppercorns.
09 -
1 tablespoon salt.
10 -
3 potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces.
11 -
2 carrots, cut into bite-sized pieces.
12 -
2 zucchinis, cut into bite-sized pieces.
13 -
2 jalapeno peppers, sliced (optional).
14 -
2 ears of corn, quartered.
15 -
3 medium tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces.
16 -
1/4 head cabbage, chopped.
17 -
8 ounces tomato sauce.
18 -
Juice from 1 lime.
19 -
Spicy red pepper flakes, fresh chopped cilantro, hot sauce, lime wedges.
Instructions:
01 -
In a large pot, add the beef shank (or other beef cuts), water, onion, celery, garlic, chiles de arbol, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, skimming any fat or foam as needed, until the beef is tender.
02 -
Carefully remove the beef pieces, shred the meat from the bones, and set aside. Discard the bones. Strain the stock and discard the solids.
03 -
Add the beef stock back to the pot and bring to a simmer. If needed, add more water to maintain volume.
04 -
Add the potatoes and carrots to the stock and simmer for 20 minutes, until they start to become tender.
05 -
Add the zucchini, jalapenos, corn, tomatoes, cabbage, and tomato sauce. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the vegetables reach your desired tenderness.
06 -
Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir in lime juice. Heat through and adjust salt as needed.
07 -
Serve in bowls garnished with red pepper flakes, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, and lime wedges.
Notes:
01 -
Caldo de Res is a hearty Mexican beef soup filled with vegetables and rich beef stock, perfect for a comforting meal.
02 -
The homemade stock adds depth of flavor, and you can customize the vegetables to your preference.
03 -
Garnish with cilantro, hot sauce, and lime wedges for an authentic touch.