Description
Dive into the rich and comforting flavors of Menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made with tender honeycomb tripe, hearty hominy, and a vibrant blend of spices. Simmered to perfection, this dish is the ultimate bowl of warmth and tradition. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, it’s perfect for gatherings or a soulful meal at home.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds honeycomb beef tripe, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 10 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed
- 3 cups white hominy, drained and rinsed
- Salt, to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Tripe:
- Rinse the tripe thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities.
- Soak it in a mixture of water and vinegar for 10 minutes, then rinse again.
- Toast the Guajillo Chilies:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Toast the guajillo chilies for about 2 minutes on each side until fragrant.
- Soak the toasted chilies in hot water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Tripe:
- In a large pot, combine the cleaned tripe, water, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add Chilies and Hominy:
- After 3 hours, add the soaked guajillo chilies and hominy to the pot.
- Continue to simmer for 1 additional hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste the menudo and season with salt as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Cleaning the Tripe: Properly cleaning the tripe is crucial for the best flavor. The vinegar soak helps eliminate any unwanted odors.
- Cooking Time: Slow simmering ensures the tripe becomes tender and flavorful.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of guajillo chilies or add a few arbol chilies for extra heat.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Menudo tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen over time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican