Caldo
A hearty and flavorful stew combining tender meat, fresh vegetables, and corn, perfect for comforting family dinners and suitable for all who enjoy savory, wholesome dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. stew meat ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 sliced carrots ⓘ
- 2 quartered apples, cored ⓘ
- 1 sliced onion (medium) ⓘ
- 1 head cabbage, shredded ⓘ
- 1 sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 2 ears corn, sliced 2-inches
- 2 Tbsp. garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- cilantro ⓘ
- 2 to 4 c. water ⓘ
- spaghetti noodles or 1 c. raw rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a stewpot, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the stew meat and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add sliced onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, salt, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in 2 to 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Add sliced carrots, quartered apples, shredded cabbage, sliced zucchini, and sliced corn ears.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes until the meat and vegetables are tender.
- Cook spaghetti noodles separately according to package instructions, or prepare 1 cup of raw rice.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and accompanied by noodles or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the stew meat in Southwestern Grilling Marinade before cooking. You can also substitute the stew meat with chicken or a plant-based protein for a lighter version, making it suitable for vegan recipes. Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or green beans to customize the dish to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the caldo hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with spaghetti noodles or a side of rice. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caldo contains roughly 573 calories, with 19g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (417% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (174% of the Daily Value), and iron (141% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1051mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the stew meat with chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just be aware that cooking times may vary; adjust accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
What can I do if I don't have fresh vegetables?
If fresh vegetables are unavailable, you can use frozen vegetables as a convenient alternative. Just add them to the stew towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the caldo, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder during cooking. You could also serve it with a side of Mom'S Picante Sauce for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).