One of our favorite things aboutMexican cuisine is that it is very rich and it has to offer many hidden gemsand popular dishes that no one can resist. Because of its large territory,every state has traditional dishes that may differ greatly from one region tothe other. However, menudo is prepared all across the country, and it isdelicious every way you try it. If you have heard about pozole, you might beable to get an idea of what menudo is, or at least be familiar with theconcept.
Menudo is a traditional Mexicanspicy soup that, as we mentioned above, is very similar to pozole, anothertraditional spicy soup from Mexican cuisine that uses hominy as a keyingredient. The big difference between these two soups is the meat that theyuse. While pork and chicken are commonly used to make pozole, menudo uses tripe,which is the stomach lining of the cow with a chewy texture very similar tothat of sautéed calamari.
Since it is a very traditionaland quite popular dish, menudo is prepared in many different ways, with everyrestaurant and family giving it their particular touch. However, there are two maintypes of menudo, which are Rojo and Blanco. Menudo Rojo is the most popularone, and it uses dried chiles to add spice to it. Menudo Blanco, on the otherhand, doesn’t include dried chile nor pepper either, although some might add abit of jalapeño to give it a bit of flavor. In some cases, chefs might add pig’sfeet or sheep stomach instead of beef tripe.
Whenever we decide to have menudo, we need to make sure we eat it properly. To begin with, since menudo tends to be served and family gatherings, the best way to enjoy a plate is by having our friends or family join us, too. Then, make sure you have as many garnishes as you can. For example, cilantro, onion, and lime are a must. Add radish to get an interesting texture, and don’t forget the avocado for extra flavor. As a side, try to have tortillas or tostadas, although some also like to have bolillos and dip them in the soup.
This is a meal that istraditionally served at family gatherings and celebrations, so menudo can goperfectly when celebrating someone’s birthday. You can usually have it during NewYear’s too, especially if your whole family is getting together to celebrate.There is no right time to have menudo, and you can eat it any day of the year.Keep in mind that, among Mexican culture, menudo and pozole have a reputationof being the ultimate hangover cure. So, if you had a night of heavy drinking,having a plate of menudo will get you back on your feet.
If you haven’t tried thisdelicious Mexican dish, don’t hesitate and order one at El Pollo Norteño. Weknow you will love it and come back for more.
FAQs
Menudo (soup)
| Place of origin | Mexico, Spain |
|---|
| Main ingredients | Beef tripe (cow stomach), broth, hominy, lime, onions, cilantro, oregano, red chili peppers |
| Variations | Menudo colorado (made with chili added to the broth): menudo blanco (made without red chili peppers) |
1 more rowMenudo Rojo, Menudo Blanco and Menudo Verde. We know of three ways to cook this hearty Mexican soup, but there could be more! All are exceptionally delicious.
What is menudo called in English? ›
Menudo is a popular “caldo”, or soup, in Mexico that includes as a main component beef tripe. If you don't know what that is, it is the meat from a cow's stomach.
What is the difference between menudo and Posole Rojo? ›
The big difference between these two soups is the meat that they use. While pork and chicken are commonly used to make pozole, menudo uses tripe, which is the stomach lining of the cow with a chewy texture very similar to that of sautéed calamari.
Is Mexican menudo good for you? ›
In short, menudo can be a very nutritious meal. It's a good source of nutrients that many of us don't get enough of, like collagen and vitamin B12. People may want to exercise caution if they have high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Is tripe healthy? ›
Tripe, like other organ meats, is packed with nutrients, including vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc. Adding this high quality protein to savory dishes or snacks may cut down on food waste and costs. Still, tripe is high in cholesterol, and its unique texture and taste may not appeal to everyone.
Why do people eat menudo? ›
Menudo is often served only on the weekends because it takes a long time to prepare – and perhaps because that's when it's most needed as a hangover cure. Richards calls menudo "the breakfast of champions" for its curative powers, which may be another reason diners love this dish so much.
What does menudo mean in Spanish Mexican? ›
First recorded in 1900–05; from Mexican Spanish; compare Spanish menudos “giblets, innards,” noun use of menudo “small, insignificant,” from Latin minūtus; minute 2, menu.
Why is menudo only served on weekends? ›
Because of its long preparation time, menudo is often served only on weekends; sometimes, it might not even grace a restaurant's menu at all, with an understanding among regulars that it's simply a part of the week's denouement.
What is the corn in menudo called? ›
In Northern Mexico, Menudo is cooked with hominy, which is a form of corn that has been soaked in an alkaline solution.
This would be called Pozole; it's almost identical to menudo but pork replaces the tripe and it's very good.
What's healthier, menudo or pozole? ›
Posole can be made a bit leaner than menudo thanks to the option of making it with chicken, but both dishes are full of vegetables and different groups of nutrients, so honestly, both soups are pretty healthy overall.
What meat pieces are in menudo? ›
A lot of menudo is made with pork or cow feet (patas) or both. Adds a lot of additional collagen which converts to gelatin and gives the broth a nice mouthfeel , fullness, and flavor. Menudo is mainly made with meat from the cow's stomach area.
What is tripe meat? ›
Knowledge Article. Tripe is the lining of beef, hog or sheep stomach although most sold is from beef. This part of the animal is tough and requires long cooking for tenderness. Beef tripe is most often obtained from the first three of the four stomachs of beef cattle (rumen, reticulum, and omasum).
