#1606 - On Soup

Given that I love to cook,

I thought I would share a simple recipe with you for a

Spanish soup called "Cocido" (koh-see-do)

which essentially means "cooked."

It's a nice hearty soup that my husband enjoys

pouring over warm cornbread.

We always at it with corn or flour tortillas

and a bottle of picante.

To start, I grab my biggest stock pot

And my trusty cow timer.

The number "30" will be all you need to know.

I put about a pound of beef for stew and some soup bones,

then put in just enough water to cover them.

I bring the water up to a boil and then let them simmer uncovered for

30 minutes.  You should stir at least once to keep the meat

from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Then I skim the fat off the top.

I then quarter a yellow onion and throw it in there.

I also add about 3 garlic clove wedges which I peel and halve.

I add about 2 or 3 bouillon cubes (beef or vegetable) to 

have some salt and seasoning. 

That gives it this nice rich color.

I then add a cup of rice...

a drained can of garbanzo beans...

a large can of tomato sauce...

At this point I taste the stock to see if it needs more salt.

I might add some chili pepper flakes, or a little garlic salt

depending on my mood...

and you set the timer for another 30 minutes.

I usually take the bones out at this point and cut off any meat

which I toss back into the pot.

You're going to raise the water level as we go,

so it's a good idea to take out some bulk.

I also "pop out" the marrow from the bones 

and toss it back into the pot as well.

This is also the last time I stir the soup

before serving it.

All the rest of the ingredients are just put in

and allowed to cook.

I then peel and cut up 2 medium potatoes.

Peeled or unpeeled is up to you.  My hubby doesn't like

the peel to be left on, so I peel them, but I've made it both ways.

Set the timer for what...?

Another 30 minutes.

And, at this point, put the lid on.

Then take 2 or 3 carrots and peel/not peel

and toss them into the pot

and cook for another

30 minutes.

I sometimes at this point also add fresh corn on the cob

which has been halved depending

on the season.  I only like really fresh corn.

The final ingredient is cabbage.

Red or green, doesn't matter.

Depending on the space left, a quarter or a half

will work.  I generally half it, then half it again 

another couple of times to get some large wedges.

Cabbage cooks fast, so this is the last

30 minutes of cooking.

After that last 30 minutes your soup is done!!

The stock pot is filled to the top, as you can see.

I stir the ingredients and serve them in a bowl

with a squeeze of lemon to finish.

My hubby, as I said, likes to have cornbread and pours

the soup over the bread to eat.

I prefer mine straight with a tortilla to dip into the soup.

You can also add a dash of picante to give

the soup a little more heat.

Or add some extra chili pepper flakes earlier on

to do the same.

I'd love to hear how yours comes out!!

Hubby freezes whatever's left over and enjoys

the soup over several weeks.

Bon appétit!!

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