Caldo de Costilla is a traditional Colombian breakfast popular in the Cundinamarca region of the country.
What is Caldo de Costilla?
It is a rich and delicious soup made with beef ribs, potatoes, onions and herbs, this dish is from the Andean region of Colombia. This soup is usually served for breakfast and it is the best cure for a hangover, or Guayabo in Colombia.
Ingredients You'll Need
This soup is made with simple ingredients. You will find the printable recipe card with full amounts and cooking directions below.
Short Ribs: The best and the most commonly used meat for this soup.
Vegetables and Herbs: The other two ingredients of the dish that I consider essential to this soup are fresh cilantro and potatoes. Garlic, green and white onions give this soup a wonderful flavor.
Spices: Ground cumin, salt and pepper.
Note: Some cooks like to add carrots to the soup, but the traditional recipe doesn't include carrots. I like to add carrots to my caldo de costilla for extra flavor.
Caldo de Costilla is a wonderful soup for the cold weather. It is warm, soothing and flavorful to the last spoonful.
How to make this Caldo
- Place the ribs in a large pot with the cumin, salt, pepper and the water.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about one hour. Place the garlic, onions and scallions in a blender with ¼ cup of water and blend for about 1 minute. Add this mixture to the pot and cook for 40 minutes more.
- Add half of the cilantro, potatoes and carrots if using. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 25 to 30 minutes more or until the potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm.
How to Serve Caldo de Costilla
I love serving mine with arepa, aji, avocado, and white rice on the side. This is traditional Colombian breakfast, but you can serve it for lunch or dinner.
How to store and reheat the soup?
You can store this soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. You can reheat the soup in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
I do not recommend freezing this caldo de costilla as the potatoes become grainy when defrosted.
More Comforting Soups
Sopa de Lentejas (Lentil Soup)
Caldo de Costilla Recipe (Colombian Beef Ribs Broth)
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of short ribs
- About15 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 cup of onion diced
- 6 scallions chopped
- ½ cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 pound of potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 large carrots peeled and sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the ribs in a large pot with the cumin, salt, pepper and the water.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about one hour. Place the garlic, onions and scallions in a blender with ¼ cup of water and blend for about 1 minute. Add this mixture to the pot and cook for 40 minutes more.
- Add half of the cilantro, potatoes and carrots if using. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 25 to 30 minutes more or until the potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Carito
Ya lo estoy haciendo para pasar guayabo del cuatro de julio!
Portcity Dave
I love your website and love this dish. It's one of the favorite dishes of my colombian girlfriend.
many thanks Erica
Fernando
Two critical ingredients, white flavor rich potatoes and fresh one-day harvested cilantro, and of course, reeeeeaaally well and look boiled short ribs, the meat have to fall from the bone like butter.
Pao
Hi.... I leave in Sweden. Don't know if I would be able to find ACHIOTE. What can I use instead?
Luis Mosquera
Just skip it, its just for color
Alice Jack
I use half and half sweet paprika powder and turmeric powder. Still tastes delicious!
Peter Matthews
Caldo Costilla My favourite Colombian dish apart from................................
Chuzos, San Cocho, Empanadas, Ajiaco, Tamales, Frioles, Chicharonnes, Arepas con queso, Chorizzo ( hecho en Carritos Restaurante Armenia!!)
Diana Comiskey
About how much salt do you personally add to the soup?
Erica
Thank you so much for visiting and leaving a comment,everyone!
Mia
Hello, can you give me the recipe for the condiment on the side?
Clara
Erica, I made this simple Colombian soup yesterday and it was so delicious. Just like my mom's Caldo de costilla. I served with white rice and avocado. Perfect Colombian Food! Wonderful Colombian cuisine site!
Mary2
Erica! thanks for making cooking easier, I make many Colombian dishes but sometimes can not find all the ingredients and what I love about your recipes is that you use the ingredients easier to get here in USA and the food is delicious. Today I cooked Caldo de costilla... Buenisimoo!!
Andrea
Ah, el levantamuertos tradicional colombiano. Le pasé la página a un amigo de Texas y estoy pendiente de que me cuente cómo le pareció.
Chris
Hangover breakfast? Wow, that would definitely take care of it. Do you just put a spoonful of aji right into your bowl?
Erica
Yes, It is fantastic,Chris!Try it!
Deborah
Hola Erica, como se llama el corte de la costilla aqui en UK, como lo consigo en los supermercados, Brisket? - Gracias
Anonymous
Short ribs
DianeStetson
Yes, I do
I live in South Florida and you can buy this ready-made at any bodegon supermarket
$5 I eat it for three times
Luis
In California they ask about $13 do better do it by myself
Lyndsey@TheTinySkillet
I would love this for breakfast! That is a big meal though...I am trying to eat a bigger breakfast and les for lunch then less for dinner. What a great way to start your day!
Javier Cardenas
How much would I need for like 35 people
rebecca
looks wonderful and full of flavor so want to visit your country
Joanne
What a richly flavored soup!
Belinda @zomppa
Gosh, that broth looks so amazing!!! Wouldn't be able to pass this up.
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz
Great soup full of warmth, perfect for a super rainy day like we are having here today
Heather @girlichef
What a wonderfully simple and comforting dish! Reminds me of Caldo de Res!