Menudo is a traditional Mexican offal soup, and the main ingredient in it is beef tripe. It is often seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, onion, lime, and oregano, creating a rich and hearty flavor profile. Although menudo is undoubtedly a Mexican dish, it is still unknown in which part of the country it was invented.
The northern area claims it came from their farmers who made the dish from leftover parts of their cows. Others claim that it was invented in central Mexico. Regardless of the geographical point of origin, the fact remains that there are two versions of this soup; menudo rojo and menudo blanco.
Menudo rojo is mostly popular in northern Mexico and Guadalajara, while the white version is popular in Sinaloa and central Mexico. Commonly found in most Mexican restaurants, the soup is also often made for special occasions, since it takes from 7 to 10 hours for the soup to cook properly. Read more
It has been around since at least the 1930s, when menudo parties were held on Christmas, New Year, and similar festive occasions. Menudo is often referred to as a cure for all hangovers, which is unsurprising considering its hearty, rustic, and spicy flavors.
It is common to accompany the soup with some corn tortillas for dipping, garnish it with lime wedges, and serve it hot, preferably in large bowls.
