Menudo (soup)
cilantro, oregano, red chili peppers | |
| Variations | Menudo colorado (made with chili added to the broth): menudo blanco (made without red chili peppers) |
|---|---|
In Mexican cuisine, Menudo, also known as pancita ([little] gut or [little] stomach) or mole de panza ("stomach sauce"), is a traditional Mexican soup, made with cow's stomach (tripe) in broth with a red chili pepper base. Hominy, lime, onions, and oregano are used to season the broth. It differs from the Filipino dish of the same name, in that the latter does not use tripe, hominy, or a chili sauce.
Cultural significance
Menudo is traditionally prepared by the entire family, and often serves as an occasion for social interactions such as after wedding receptions where the families of the newlyweds go to one of their family's houses to enjoy a bowl of menudo before and after the ceremony. It is also believed to be a hangover cure.[1][2]
Menudo takes a long time to prepare as the tripe takes hours to cook. It includes many ingredients and side dishes (such as salsa), and is garnished with chopped onions, chiles, cilantro, and often with lime juice; it is often prepared communally and eaten at a feast.
Documents from the American Works Progress Administration indicate that in the 1930s, among migrant workers in Arizona, menudo parties were held regularly to celebrate births, Christmas, and other occasions.[3]
It is typically served with chopped raw onions, oregano, diced chiles (usually serrano), and lemon or lime segments along with corn or flour tortillas.[2]
Regional variations
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There are a number of regional variations on menudo. In northern Mexico, hominy is typically added. In northwest states such as
Menudo in the United States
In the United States, since the mid-20th century, prepared menudo has been common in food stores and restaurants in cosmopolitan areas and in other areas with a significant Mexican population. Restaurants often feature it as a special on Saturday and Sunday,[4] and some believe menudo alleviates hangovers.[5] Canned menudo is also available.[6]
An annual Menudo Festival is held in Santa Maria, California. In 2009, more than 2,000 people attended and 13 restaurants competed for prizes in three categories. The festival is organized by the National Latino Peace Officers Association of Northern Santa Barbara County and the money raised goes toward scholarships for local students.[7]
Since 1996, the Menudo Bowl is an annual event in Laredo, Texas. In 2019, over 30 teams participated to make the best menudo. The event is organized by Laredo Crime Stoppers, with teams conformed by public officials, law enforcement, media representatives, and members of the community. The event is attended by people from both sides of the US–Mexico border.[8]
Gallery
- Menudo variations
-
Menudo withgarbanzo beans and chorizosausage -
Menudo blanco -
Menudo en Cadiz -
Mondongo (menudo) soup and gordita -
Menudo rojo (Red menudo)
See also
- Pozole, Mexican similar soup or stew featuring hominy but not tripe
- Sopa de mondongo
- Trippa a la Romana
- Callos a la Madrileña
- Tripes à la mode de Caen
- Flaki
- İşkembe çorbası
- List of Mexican dishes
- List of soups
- Californian cuisine
References
- ISBN 978-1-4165-4002-1.
- ^ a b c Washington, Bryan (2023-02-08). "This Soup Can Be Many Things, but It's Always Delicious". The New York Times. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ISBN 978-1-59448-865-8.
- ^ "Where do you go for Menudo on Sunday in LA?". Chowhound. 7 January 2008. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
- ^ Gonzalez, Ray (1992). "Hangover Cure". Lapham's Quarterly. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
- ^ Zaragoza, Alex (21 June 2019). "This Canned Menudo Is the Improbable, Tripe-Filled Cure for Hangovers and Homesickness". Vice. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
- ^ Staff report. "Annual festival celebrates Mexican Independence Day". Santa Maria Times. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
- ^ Sanchez, Ashley; Times, LMTonline com / Laredo Morning (2019-01-20). "2019 Menudo Bowl winners announced". Laredo Morning Times. Retrieved 2020-01-09.
