What ingredients do you need?
- 2 pounds of beef tripe, cleaned and cut into small strips
- 1 pig’s foot, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 3 dried chili peppers
- 1 can of hominy, drained
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
How do you prepare the menudo?
1. Place the beef tripe and pig’s foot in a large pot and cover with water. Add half of the chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2-3 hours until the tripe is tender.
2. In a separate pan, boil the dried chili peppers for 5 minutes or until softened. Remove the stems and seeds, then blend them with the remaining onion and garlic cloves until you have a smooth paste.
3. Add the chili pepper paste to the pot of tripe and continue simmering for another hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
4. Once the menudo is almost ready, add the drained hominy to the pot and let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
5. Serve the menudo hot in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. It is customary to serve menudo with corn tortillas or bolillos, a type of Mexican bread.
Any additional tips?
1. Authentic menudo can take a long time to prepare, so it is often made in large batches and eaten over multiple days.
2. If you find the tripe’s smell too strong, you can soak it in water and vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking to help reduce the odor.
3. Menudo is even more flavorful when prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop further overnight. Just reheat before serving.
4. Adjust the spiciness of the menudo by adding more or fewer chili peppers, depending on your preference.
By following this authentic menudo recipe, you will be able to savor the true flavors of Mexican cuisine. Whether you choose to make it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with your loved ones, this traditional dish is sure to be a hit.