The menudo, also known as pancita, tripe stew, or mondongo, is one of the favorite broths of Mexicans that can be found at street stalls, small eateries inside and outside markets, and even in large restaurants as this dish is considered a popular remedy for hangovers.

With the perfect combination of spices, a very aromatic broth, and tender pieces of beef tripe, menudo comforts the soul of all those who dare to try it.

Haven't you tried this delicious street broth yet? At Kiwilimón, we tell you everything you need to know to prepare it.

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Beef tripe, the star ingredient of menudo

The beef tripe, masterfully cooked, is the star ingredient of menudo. This comforting street broth is usually prepared with all the parts that make up the beef tripe or with some combination of these. It is worth mentioning that it is also quite common to add beef feet to the menudo for more flavor and better consistency.

What are the parts of beef tripe?
According to the Larousse Gastronomic Dictionary, the beef stomach, colloquially known as beef tripe, is divided into the following parts:

• The capote, bonete or tripe
• The honeycomb, cacarizo or molcajete
• The book
• The cayo
• The apple
• The rennet or curd
• The milk intestine
• The thick intestine

However, Don Manolo, who has attended the "Vísceras Carmelita" stall located in booth 263 of the Naucalpan de Juárez municipal market for over 10 years, assures us that the tripe, honeycomb, book, and cayo are the preferred parts of customers for preparing menudo.



How to clean beef tripe?

Thorough cleaning of the beef tripe is a fundamental step in the preparation of menudo, as it ensures the elimination of impurities and guarantees a deliciously rich broth.

Although it is very easy to obtain clean beef tripe, either raw or cooked, at your trusted market, we recommend following these steps to clean it properly and thus eliminate any strong odors it may have:

1. Rinse under running water
2. Brush with a clean brush
3. Remove any remaining impurities with the help of a knife
4. Soak in a container with water with lemon, water with vinegar, milk, water with lime, or water with a couple of drops of bleach for a couple of hours
5. Rinse thoroughly under running water

How to prepare beef tripe?

Once you have properly washed the beef tripe, you can cook a wide variety of dishes, as this noble ingredient is perfect for frying, baking, stewing, and braising. However, when we talk about beef tripe, menudo, pancita, tripe stew, or mondongo is the dish that stands out among various preparations.

If you like menudo, also learn to prepare tripe tacos.

How to prepare menudo?

Whether it’s the classic red menudo, the herby green menudo, or the mild white menudo, the base of this traditional dish is always the same: delicious pieces of beef tripe bathed in a comforting broth flavored with a handful of spices and seasonings that make menudo a popular and comforting dish.

How would a plate of menudo sit with you? Here are some recipes so you don’t miss out on enjoying this delicious street broth.

Homemade menudo

White menudo

Beef menudo

If you’re not in the mood for a brothy dish, learn to prepare some crispy pancita quesadillas.