Sopa de Hueso

Sopa de Hueso Recipe from Dominican Republic

Region / culture: Dominican Republic | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sopa de Hueso, also known as Bone Soup, is a traditional Latin American dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cold day. This soup is made with meat and bones, along with a variety of vegetables and herbs, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

History

Sopa de Hueso has been a staple in Latin American cuisine for generations. It is a dish that has been passed down from family to family, with each cook adding their own unique twist to the recipe. This soup is often made with leftover bones from a previous meal, making it a thrifty and resourceful dish.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of beef ribs (or any meat with bones)
1 cup of gem squash, cut into small cubes
1 cup of potatoes, cut into small cubes
1 cube of beef stock
1 cup of cassava (yuca), chopped into small cubes
6 cups of water
1 tsp of oil
1 lemon, cut in halves
1 tbsp of chopped parsley
0.5 tsp of mashed garlic
0.25 cup of chopped celery

How to prepare

In a pot, heat up the oil and add the meat, beef stock, salt, herbs, garlic, oil, water, and squash.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer over medium heat.
Stir regularly to prevent sticking.
Once the meat is tender, add the potatoes and yuca.
Adjust the salt according to taste.
When the potatoes and yuca are tender, turn off the heat.
Serve with arroz blanco on the side.

Variations

Add in additional vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of meat, such as chicken or pork, for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
For a spicy kick, add in some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to add in any additional vegetables or herbs that you have on hand to customize the soup to your liking.

- For a richer flavor, you can roast the bones before adding them to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Sopa de Hueso is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of arroz blanco (white rice) for a complete meal. A squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top of the soup adds a fresh and zesty flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to develop.

- Stir the soup regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the salt and seasonings to taste before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find gem squash, you can substitute with zucchini or yellow squash.

- Instead of cassava, you can use sweet potatoes or plantains.

- Any type of meat with bones can be used in this recipe, such as beef, chicken, or pork.

Make Ahead Tips

Sopa de Hueso can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sopa de Hueso in a large bowl with a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing. Garnish with chopped parsley and celery for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Sopa de Hueso pairs well with a side of arroz blanco (white rice) or a crusty piece of bread for dipping. A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette would also complement the flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Sopa de Hueso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sopa de Hueso contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Sopa de Hueso is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the addition of potatoes, squash, and cassava. These starchy vegetables provide energy and help to make the soup filling and satisfying.

Fats

The oil used in this recipe adds a small amount of fat to the soup, providing flavor and richness. The meat and bones also contribute some fat to the dish, adding to its overall flavor profile.

Proteins

The meat and bones in Sopa de Hueso are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. This soup is a great way to get a healthy dose of protein in your diet.

Vitamins and minerals

Sopa de Hueso is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used in the recipe. Potatoes, squash, and cassava are all rich in vitamins and minerals, making this soup a nutritious choice.

Alergens

This recipe contains meat and bones, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Sopa de Hueso is a nutritious and hearty soup that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a well-rounded meal that is sure to satisfy your hunger and provide you with essential nutrients.

Summary

Sopa de Hueso is a comforting and nutritious soup that is perfect for a cold day. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Serve this soup with a side of arroz blanco and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Sopa de Hueso. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe cards in search of a new dish to try. As I sifted through the yellowed paper, my eyes landed on a faded card with the title "Sopa de Hueso" scrawled in elegant cursive handwriting.

Intrigued by the name, I carefully read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for beef bones, vegetables, herbs, and spices, simmered together to create a rich and flavorful broth. I could almost taste the savory aroma wafting from the pot as I imagined myself cooking this hearty soup in my own kitchen.

I asked my grandmother about the origins of the recipe, and she shared with me the story of how she learned to make Sopa de Hueso from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, each cook adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

Excited to carry on this tradition, I set out to gather the ingredients needed to make Sopa de Hueso. I carefully selected the best beef bones from the butcher, along with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs from the market. As I chopped, diced, and sautéed, the familiar scents of garlic, onions, and bay leaves filled my kitchen, transporting me back to my grandmother's cozy farmhouse kitchen.

I followed the recipe with care, simmering the broth slowly on the stove until it was rich and flavorful. The anticipation grew as I ladled the steaming soup into bowls, garnishing each with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lime. I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor, to savor the flavors of generations past in each spoonful.

As I took my first bite of Sopa de Hueso, I was overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia and warmth. The rich broth, tender beef, and hearty vegetables melded together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I could almost hear the echoes of my ancestors in each spoonful, their love and care imbuing the soup with a special magic that transcended time.

Since that day, Sopa de Hueso has become a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this beloved dish to a new generation. And as I cook it now, I can't help but feel a deep connection to my roots, to the women who came before me and who lovingly passed down this recipe through the years.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, it is comforting to know that some things remain constant, some traditions endure. And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Sopa de Hueso, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past, to nourish not only our bodies but our souls. And for that, I am eternally grateful.