Makes 10 to 12 servings
Soup
5 pounds beef tripe, cut into 1- to 2- inch squares
2 pounds pig’s feet (optional)
¼ onion, diced
3 garlic cloves
1 ½ tablespoon salt
3 quarts water
3 ancho chiles or ¼ cup pure ground chile powder
(available at Latin markets and larger supermarkets)
2 cups hominy
1 ½ tablespoons dried oregano
Garnish
1 cup diced onion
2 lemons, cut into 8 wedges each
Steps
1. Put the tripe, pig’s feet, if using, onion, garlic, and salt in a large stockpot and add the water. Bring to a dimmer over medium heat and cook until the tripe is tender, about 3 hours.
2. Meanwhile, if using ancho chiles, put them in a small saucepan, add water to cover, and bring to a boil. Boil until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly, then peel off the skin. Put the chiles in a blender and puree.
3. Add the pureed chiles (for the chile powder), hominy, and oregano to the soup. Reduce the heat to low, and cook for another 30 minutes.
4. Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve with the onion and lemon on the side, along with tortillas (see box). One tablespoon of diced onion should be stirred into each bowl of soup, and the juice of the lemons added to taste.
