I think of two things when I think of menudo.
One is that absolutely sensational blip in the pop music radar known as Menudo, the Latin pop group that at one point in time had taken over the radio – and hearts – of millions of fans during the late 70s and early 80s. A group that for a brief moment in time featured a very young Ricky Martin before he became the leader of the musical forefront of the “Latin Explosion” of 1999. But what else comes to mind when I think of menudo?
Well, the magical Mexican broth that somehow manages to cure everything that ails you, whether you have a cold, the flu, or a not-so-great hangover. It’s one of those special elixirs that are so complicated and time-consuming that they tend to only be served on the weekends if you go out to find it at a restaurant. Or maybe it’s only on the weekends because those are the prime hangover days.
Read more: The Brief History of the Delicious Mexican Pan Dulce
Behind the creation of this tasty dish
The origin of menudo is a little mysterious at best. It was never one specific recipe, nor did it come from one specific place. Known as una sopa del pobre, a soup of the poor, it is said that menudo was invented during the pre-revolution era of Mexico as a way to ensure that no part of the animal was wasted. Also, this would help people use every bit of leftovers because it was a luxury to throw out any food in those days (as it should be today.) How this poor man’s soup became a barrio delicacy known for curing the heads and hangovers of the masses, is also a mystery.
Menudo’s recipe
This complicated recipe requires a few ingredients including tripe, cow feet, and bones, which all play a role in the intensely unique flavor. Keep in mind that the preparation combined with the cooking time means it takes hours upon hours to make.
To be fair, mi familia rarely made menudo. So, normally, I would just give you my recipe for this and tell you to enjoy it. Since I can’t, I spent a little time digging until I found a recipe that felt supremely familiar in its ingredients and its prep. The link is included here.
While we may never know the true origin of menudo, one thing is for sure: It has saved many a life on a Sunday morning.
FAQs
The origin of menudo is a little mysterious at best. It was never one specific recipe, nor did it come from one specific place. Known as una sopa del pobre, a soup of the poor, it is said that menudo was invented during the pre-revolution era of Mexico as a way to ensure that no part of the animal was wasted.
What is the history of Mexican menudo? ›
Its origins remain a mystery – some people attribute its humble beginnings in Central Mexico during Mexico's pre-revolution era as a soup prepared from poverty – also known as “poor man's soup.” Usually, food waste and leftovers were given to peasant cooks, who invented menudo by using the stomach.
Who created menudo? ›
The most successful Latin boy band of all time, Menudo was originally established in Puerto Rico in 1977 by Edgardo Diaz, releasing a handful of hit songs such as “Quiero Ser” and “Claridad” and launching the music careers of Ricky Martin and Draco Rosa, among many others.
What are the three types of menudo? ›
Menudo Rojo, Menudo Blanco and Menudo Verde. We know of three ways to cook this hearty Mexican soup, but there could be more! All are exceptionally delicious.
Why is menudo only served on weekends? ›
His menudo rojo (with red chile) is common in northern Mexico, while menudo blanco (white menudo, without chile) is more popular in Sinaloa and central Mexico. Menudo is often served only on the weekends because it takes a long time to prepare – and perhaps because that's when it's most needed as a hangover cure.
Do Mexicans eat menudo for breakfast? ›
Menudo is a traditional Mexican stew made with cooked tripe (beef's stomach lining), hominy, and a variety of spices. It is traditionally served for special occasions, breakfast, or even as a popular home remedy. You'll find menudo throughout Mexico and the Southwest.
Why the name menudo? ›
Menudo (Spanish for "little", and in Puerto Rican Spanish, for "loose change") is a Puerto Rican-based, Latino boy band that was formed in 1977 by producer Edgardo Díaz. Menudo was one of the biggest Latin boy bands in history, releasing their first album in 1977.
What does menudo mean in Spanish Mexican? ›
First recorded in 1900–05; from Mexican Spanish; compare Spanish menudos “giblets, innards,” noun use of menudo “small, insignificant,” from Latin minūtus; minute 2, menu.
Which came first, menudo or pozole? ›
Posole is a much older soup, and menudo is likely based on posole, but with some key differences that helped make it more affordable for certain groups. Menudo is made with Beef tripe, while posole is made with pork or chicken.
Is menudo healthy? ›
Rich in Vitamins
Menudo is a good source of various vitamins, including vitamin B12, which is essential for brain function and forming red blood cells.
Menudo 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. It is the Mexican variation of the Spanish callos or menudo.
Why is menudo a hangover cure? ›
Drinking water both during your night out and the morning after can reduce the negative effects of alcohol. This is a reason why menudo is helpful for a hangover. The soup provides more hydration than other types of food and as a result, you may feel better, if only slightly.
Why would most Spaniards not like to eat menudo? ›
The answer is - It contains offal meat Menudo is a traditional Mexican soup made fr…
Is menudo from Mexico or Philippines? ›
Menudo (from Spanish: "small [bits]"), also known as ginamay or ginagmay (Cebuano: "[chopped into] smaller pieces"), is a traditional stew from the Philippines made with pork and sliced liver in tomato sauce with carrots and potatoes.
Why is menudo so good? ›
Menudo has long been a trusted cure for hangovers in Mexican culture. Its richness in vitamin C, iron, and fiber has made it the saving grace for the survivors of a night of raging. The morning after a quinceañera or wedding often includes giant cazuelas full of the bubbling caldo.
What was menudo made of back in the day? ›
According to Nationaltoday.com, “Menudo is a traditional Mexican soup made with beef tripe in broth, seasoned with hominy, garlic, onions, and oregano.” In my opinion, most Hispanic people would say that our memories can be tied to the smells and tastes of the traditional foods we grew up with.
Was pozole made with human hearts? ›
The indigenous ancestors used human flesh in the stew. Aztec priests would make human sacrifices to their gods, offering up the heart and using the rest of the flesh for a ceremonial pozole. After the Spanish conquest, Spanish rulers outlawed cannibalism, and so pork was used in replacement of human flesh in pozole.
