This is a meal that is traditionally served at family gatherings and celebrations, so menudo can go perfectly for holidays and any type of gathering specially during cold times. You can usually have it during the whole year, especially if your whole family is getting together to celebrate.
Menudo is a traditional Mexican spicy soup that is very similar to pozole, another traditional spicy soup from Mexican cuisine that uses hominy as a key ingredient. The big difference between these two soups is the meat that they use. While pork and chicken are commonly used to make pozole, menudo uses tripe, which is the stomach lining of the cow with a chewy texture very similar to that of sautéed calamari. It is a very traditional and quite popular dish, menudo is prepared in many ways, with every restaurant and family giving it their touch.
However, there are two main types of menudo, which are Rojo and Blanco. Menudo Rojo is the most popular one, and it uses dried chiles to add spice to it. Menudo Blanco, on the other hand, doesn’t include dried chile nor pepper either, although some might add a bit of jalapeño to give it a bit of flavor. In some cases, chefs might add pig’s feet or sheep stomach instead of beef tripe.
Whenever you decide to have menudo, we need to make sure you eat it properly. To begin with, since menudo tends to be served and family gatherings, the best way to enjoy a plate is by having our friends or family join us, too. Then, make sure you have as many garnishes as you can. For example, cilantro, onion, and lime are a must. Add radish to get an interesting texture, and don’t forget the avocado for extra flavor. As a side, try to have tortillas or tostadas, although some also like to have bolillos and dip them in the soup.
There is no right time to have menudo, and you can eat it any day of the year. Keep in mind that, among Mexican culture, menudo and pozole have a reputation of being the ultimate hangover cure. So, if you had a night of heavy drinking, having a plate of menudo will get you back on your feet.