Menudo Rojo Red Menudo

Dive into the bold and comforting flavors of *Menudo Rojo (Red Menudo)*, a classic Mexican soup that’s as vibrant in color as it is in taste. This traditional dish features tender pieces of honeycomb beef tripe and optional rich calf’s foot simmered to perfection in a fragrant, smoky broth infused with guajillo and ancho chiles. The addition of white hominy adds a satisfying, hearty texture, while aromatics like garlic, cumin, and Mexican oregano create layers of complex flavor. Slowly simmered for hours, this soul-warming soup reaches peak tenderness and depth, making it ideal for special gatherings or leisurely Sunday meals. Serve it steaming hot, topped with crisp radishes, fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime for a pop of brightness, and don’t forget warm tortillas on the side! Perfect for lovers of authentic Mexican cuisine, *Menudo Rojo* is a bold and satisfying dish that captures the essence of tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:270 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds honeycomb beef tripe
• 1 calf's foot (optional, adds richness)
• 1 28-ounce can white hominy
• 6 dried guajillo chiles
• 4 dried ancho chiles
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 white onion
• 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 16 cups water
• 6 radishes (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 4 lime wedges (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup diced white onion (optional, for garnish)
• 8 corn or flour tortillas (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the tripe. Rinse the honeycomb tripe thoroughly under cold water and use a sharp knife to trim away any excess fat. Cut the tripe into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch squares.

Step 2

Rinse the calf's foot (if using) under cold water to remove any impurities.

Step 3

In a large stockpot, add the tripe, calf's foot, and 12 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.

Step 4

While the broth is simmering, prepare the red chile sauce. Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chiles. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dust or debris.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, combine the chiles, garlic cloves, and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes until the chiles are softened.

Step 6

Transfer the softened chiles, garlic, and cooking liquid to a blender. Add the white onion (cut into quarters), Mexican oregano, and cumin seeds. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to create a pourable consistency.

Step 7

Strain the blended chile mixture through a fine-mesh sieve directly into the simmering tripe broth to remove any solids.

Step 8

Drain and rinse the canned hominy. Add it to the pot along with the bay leaves and salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 9

Let the menudo simmer over low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the tripe is tender and the flavors are well-developed. Stir occasionally and add more water as needed to maintain a soup-like consistency.

Step 10

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if necessary.

Step 11

Serve the Menudo Rojo hot, garnished with radish slices, fresh cilantro, diced white onion, and lime wedges if desired. Pair with warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	6123.2 grams (6123.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2452

Total Fat 72.60g	93%
Saturated Fat 21.60g	108%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 1332mg	444%
Sodium 6241mg	271%
Total Carbohydrate 305.00g	111%
Dietary Fiber 77.20g	276%
Total Sugars 27.90g
Protein 177.70g	355%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1347mg	104%
Iron 40mg	221%
Potassium 5766mg	123%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.3%

Protein: 27.5%

Carbs: 47.2%