Caldo de Papas is a traditional Mexican soup made with potatoes, bacon, and a variety of other ingredients. This hearty and delicious soup is perfect for colder weather or any time you want a warm and comforting meal. In this article, we will provide a detailed recipe for making Caldo de Papas at home, including a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information.
Ingredients
To make Caldo de Papas, you will need the following ingredients:
6 slices of bacon
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Caldo de Papas:
Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook it in the bacon grease until it is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute.
Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
While the soup is simmering, chop the cooked bacon into small pieces.
When the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and blend until it is smooth and creamy.
Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the chopped bacon, chopped cilantro, and chopped jalapeño pepper (if using).
Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutritional information for one serving of Caldo de Papas (based on a recipe that serves six people):
Calories: 270
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 24mg
Sodium: 925mg
Total carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 10g
Variations
There are many ways to customize Caldo de Papas to your liking. Here are some variations you might want to try:
Vegetarian: If you don't eat meat, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy: For a spicier version, leave the seeds in the jalapeño pepper or add a second pepper.
Cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese at the end of cooking for a cheesy twist.
Meaty: Add some cooked and diced ham or chorizo sausage to the soup for a meatier version.
Creamy: Use heavy cream instead of milk for an extra-creamy soup.
Conclusion
Caldo de Papas is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for colder weather or any time you want a warm and hearty meal. Whether you follow our recipe or customize it to your liking, we hope you enjoy this traditional Mexican dish.