Trinidadian Cow Heel Soup

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) cow heel, cut into pieces 1 kg (2.2 lbs) cow heel, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs of thyme 2 sprigs of thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 cup pumpkin, diced 1 cup pumpkin, diced
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 4 cups beef broth 4 cups beef broth
• 4 cups water 4 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the cow heel pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   Once the cow heel is browned, add the thyme, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, and cabbage to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Pour in the beef broth and water, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the cow heel is tender.
5. 5.
   Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface of the soup during cooking.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving.
8. 8.
   Ladle the Trinidadian Cow Heel Soup into bowls and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cow heel — It is important to simmer the cow heel for a sufficient amount of time to ensure it becomes tender and releases its flavors into the soup.
• Thyme — Use fresh thyme sprigs for the best flavor. If unavailable, dried thyme can be used as a substitute, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Serve the Trinidadian Cow Heel Soup with a side of crusty bread or roti to soak up the flavorful broth.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables before serving.

Serving advice

Garnish each bowl of Trinidadian Cow Heel Soup with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve it as a main course alongside a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Trinidadian Cow Heel Soup in deep bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Serve it with a side of warm bread or roti to create an inviting and comforting presentation.