Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Colombia with this soul-warming Sopa de Torrejas! This isn't just a soup - it's a delicious journey that combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and crispy fritters in one irresistible bowl. Imagine a dish that tells a story of tradition, comfort, and pure culinary passion, guaranteed to warm you from the inside out and make your kitchen smell like a Colombian grandmother's secret recipe.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: Colombian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Beef, cut into chunks
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, sliced
- Potatoes, chopped
- Cilantro, chopped
- Salt
- Pepper
- Water
- Fritters (Torrejas)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef into chunks and set aside. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and chop the potatoes and cilantro. Ensure that all ingredients are ready for use to make the cooking process smoother.
- In a large pot, add the beef chunks and cover them with water. Use enough water to fully submerge the meat. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the beef simmer for about 30 minutes until it becomes tender.
- After 30 minutes, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped potatoes to the pot. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked. Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the fritters (torrejas). If you are using pre-made fritters, you can skip this step. Otherwise, make the fritters according to your preferred recipe, typically involving a mixture of flour, egg, and seasonings, then frying until golden brown.
- Once the vegetables are tender and the soup is flavorful, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro for a fresh flavor boost.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and add a piece of the beef along with the vegetables. Top each bowl with a few fritters. Optionally, you can garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.
- Enjoy your Sopa de Torrejas, a hearty and flavorful Colombian beef and fritters soup, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Tips
- For the most tender beef, choose cuts like chuck or brisket that have good marbling and break down beautifully during slow cooking.
- Don't rush the simmering process - low and slow is the key to developing rich, deep flavors in your broth.
- If you're short on time, you can use pre-made fritters or even substitute with crusty bread for a similar texture.
- Fresh cilantro is crucial - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the beef and fritters.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lime juice just before serving to brighten the entire dish.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
