Caldo de Res

Step 1

In a large Dutch oven or pot, add the water, beef shanks, garlic, bay leaves, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to a low simmer, and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until the meat is tender.

Step 2

Skim off and discard any white or brown foam floating at the top of the pot as well as the bay leaves and garlic cloves. Transfer the cooked bone-in beef shank to a bowl and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

Add the carrots, corn, potatoes, zucchini, cabbage, cilantro, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir until the tomato paste has fully dissolved. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender and cooked through.

Step 4

While the vegetables are cooking, remove the bones and any tough sinewy pieces from the beef shank and discard. Cut the tender meat into small bite-sized chunks and add them back into the pot when the vegetables are fully cooked.

Step 5

Stir everything together and taste. Season with more salt if necessary.

Step 6

Serve soup in large bowls, making sure that each bowl gets a little bit of everything. Top each bowl with more fresh cilantro, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a few dashes of hot sauce if desired.