Mole de Olla (Mexican Beef Soup) Recipe

Mole de Olla: Hearty Mexican Beef Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Rich Broth

Mole de Olla is a flavorful and satisfying Mexican beef soup made with tender beef, corn, zucchini, and a savory broth infused with fresh herbs and spices. Perfect for cooler days or when you want a comforting, hearty meal.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 2 lbs beef short ribs or stew meat (bone-in cuts are ideal for a richer broth)
• 2 large ears of corn, cut into halves or thirds
• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 dried chiles (pasilla or guajillo, optional for extra depth of flavor)
• 6 cups beef broth or water (add more as needed to adjust consistency)
• 2-3 fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)

Optional:

• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Crumbled cheese or Mexican crema (for extra richness)

1. Prepare the Beef

• Heat vegetable oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the beef and sear it on all sides until browned to develop a rich flavor.
• Once browned, pour in enough water to cover the beef (about 6 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any impurities that rise to the top.

2. Cook the Broth

• Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and tomatoes.
• If using dried chiles, toast them in a hot pan for about a minute, then soak them in warm water for 10 minutes. Blend the soaked chiles into a paste and add this to the pot for extra depth of flavor.
• Add cumin, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well, cover, and let the soup simmer over low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

3. Add Vegetables

• Once the beef is tender, add the corn and carrots to the pot. Let them cook for about 10 minutes until the corn is tender.
• Stir in the diced zucchini and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

4. Adjust Seasoning

• Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
• If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Allow everything to simmer for another 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Serve

• Ladle the Mole de Olla into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
• Serve with lime wedges, warm tortillas, or crumbled cheese for added flavor.

Optional Add-Ons

• For a richer dish, top with a spoonful of Mexican crema or crumbled queso fresco.
• For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or other spicy peppers.

Enjoy!
This comforting Mole de Olla features tender beef, sweet corn, and vibrant vegetables in a flavorful broth. Pair it with lime and cilantro for a delicious, hearty meal. 🌽🥩🍲