Bear Soup

There is no bear in this soup. Nor is the soup named after any bear. In fact, there are zero bears to be found in the state of Chihuahua, where this soup comes from. Yet, I admit Pepe was right, it is a spectacular soup, and it is called caldo de oso (or bear soup). It turns out caldo de oso is insanely popular in Chihuahua. The thing is, it is not to be found in restaurants, but in homes.

Prep time: PT15M

Cook time: PT40M

Rating

4.7 stars (10 reviews)

Keywords

ancho chiles, carrots, catfish, cilantro, fish broth, lime, onion, pati's mexican table, Pickled Jalapeños, potatoes, Tomatoes

Ingredients

2 dried ancho chiles (stemmed and seeded)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2/3 cup white onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes (chopped)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
8 cups seafood or fish broth (or water)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 whole pickled jalapeño (diced)
2 tablespoons vinegary sauce from pickled jalapeños
2 cups carrots (peeled and diced)
2 cups potatoes (peeled and diced)
2 pounds catfish fillets (cut into 2" pieces)
2 limes (cut into wedges, to serve)
1/4 cup cilantro (roughly chopped, to serve)

Cuisine

Mexican

Steps

Place the ancho chiles in a bowl, cover with 2 cups boiling water, and let them sit for 10 minutes until they plump up and rehydrate.
In a soup pot, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened and the edges begin to brown. Add the garlic, stir and cook for a minute until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high and incorporate the chopped tomato, cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until softened. Sprinkle the flour on top of the cooking vegetables, stir well, and let cook for another minute or so, stirring frequently, until the flour starts to brown and smell toasty. Pour in the broth or water and bring to a simmer.
Meanwhile, place the ancho chiles along with a cup of their soaking water into a blender, and puree until completely smooth. Add the chile puree, along with the thyme, marjoram, oregano, cumin, bay leaf, salt, pepper, pickled jalapeño and its vinegar to the soup, and mix well. Once it returns to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium, and let it cook for 15 minutes with the lid ajar.
Add the carrots, potatoes, and fish pieces and continue to cook for 10 more minutes, until vegetables and fish are completely cooked through.
Serve hot, along with lime wedges and chopped cilantro for people to add to their taste. I like it with crusty bread, such as a baguette, on the side.