Menudo – A Wonderfully Delicious Mexican Soup

Menudo is known as the world’s greatest hangover cure. Some people also believe it has medicinal values. Especially for people with gastric problems or illnesses that affect their appetites. Me? I take menudo for exactly what it is, a hearty, spicy, yummy, Mexican soup, filled with tripe (and pig or calves feet, if you choose) and hominy. Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s definitely a meal all on it’s own and something special to make and share.
For those of you still questioning the fact that menudo has tripe in it, don’t! Tripe is really tasty. I promise! If you’re still unsure, start with a small amount. Maybe a 1/2 lb. Soon, you’ll be adding more and more. Watch!

Menudo:
1 to 1 1/2 lbs beef honeycomb tripe, cut into 1″ squares – $2.43
1 medium White or Yellow Onion, diced – $.20
1 Tbsp garlic, minced – $.20
2 cups cooked yellow or white hominy (I like dried, that I precook. Frozen or canned is fine too) – $.99
2- 3 teaspoons salt (I like 3, but some might want to add more salt later) – pantry
3 Tbsps New Mexico red chili powder (depending on heat, you can add a little less or a little more) – pantry
2 tsps Mexican oregano – pantry
1 Tbsp coarse black pepper – pantry
1/2 tsp cumin powder – pantry
2 Bay Leaf – pantry

Garnish:
Lemon or Lime wedges – $.50
Chopped green onion or Cilantro – $.25
1/2 Chopped Onion – $.15
Chile Pequin (Dried Chile pepper flakes) – pantry
COST: $4.72
Clean tripe very well. Cut into 1 to 2″ squares and place into a large pot. Cover with water (at least 2 inches above tripe). Add bay leaf and salt. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer and cook for 2 hours. You may need to skim off fat with a spoon, on occasion.
After 2 hours, add garlic, diced onion, pepper, Mexican oregano, cumin, and red chili powder. Stir, cover and simmer for another 2 hours. Add hominy and bring back to simmer. Cook for 45 more mins.
Serve hot! Garnish with diced onion, cilantro, lemon wedges, and/or green onions as garnish.
NOTE: Traditionally, pig or calf feet are added as well. I like ham hock. I’ve also heard of people adding veal knuckle. Any of the above are great additions, but you don’t NEED them. This is superb just as it is! Enjoy!
GRAND TOTAL: $4.72

Credits to: http://www.10buckdinners.com/