Sopi Mondongo is a traditional soup from Aruba that is made with beef tripe, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for cold weather or as a comforting meal.Sopi Mondongo is a soup that is deeply rooted in Aruban cuisine and culture. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that is typically served as a main course. The soup is made with beef tripe, which is the stomach lining of a cow. Tripe is known for its unique texture and flavor, which can be described as slightly chewy and slightly earthy.The addition of vegetables such as onion, green bell pepper, and tomato to the soup adds color and flavor to the dish. The seasonings used in the soup, including oregano, thyme, cumin, and paprika, give it a complex and rich flavor that is both spicy and savory. The soup is finished with a combination of fresh cilantro, parsley, and lime juice, which adds brightness and freshness to the dish.Sopi Mondongo is a dish that is often associated with family gatherings and celebrations. It is a dish that is typically prepared in large quantities and shared among family and friends. The soup is also known for its ability to warm you up on a cold day or provide comfort when you are feeling under the weather.

One important note about making Sopi Mondongo is the preparation of the tripe. It is important to thoroughly clean the tripe before cooking to remove any impurities or odors. This can be done by soaking the tripe in water with vinegar or lemon juice, and then rinsing it thoroughly.Overall, Sopi Mondongo is a delicious and unique soup that is worth trying if you have the opportunity to do so. It is a dish that is full of flavor and history, and is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys hearty and comforting soups.

To make Sopi Mondongo, you will need the following

ingredients:

1- 2 pounds of beef tripe, cleaned and sliced

2- 1 onion, diced

3- 1 green bell pepper, diced

4- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

5- 1 tomato, diced

6- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste

7- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano

8- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme

9- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin

10- 1 tablespoon of paprika

11- 1 tablespoon of salt

12- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

13- 6 cups of water

14- 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro

15- 1/2 cup of chopped parsley

16- 1 lime, juiced

18- Hot sauce, to taste

Here are the steps to make Sopi Mondongo:

1- Clean and slice the beef tripe into small pieces. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water and set it aside.

2- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

3- Add the diced tomato, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.

4- Add the beef tripe to the pot and stir to coat it with the seasoning mixture.

5- Pour in the water and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 2 hours, or until the tripe is tender.

6- Once the tripe is tender, add the chopped cilantro, parsley, and lime juice to the pot. Stir well and let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7- Serve the Sopi Mondongo hot, with hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy.

Notes:

1- Some people prefer to add potatoes or yucca to their Sopi Mondongo for additional flavor and texture.

2- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for each item in the recipe:

2 pounds of beef tripe, cleaned and sliced:

• Calories: 530 kcal
• Total fat: 19g
• Saturated fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 336mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total carbohydrate: 0g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 83g
• Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of high-quality protein, rich in essential minerals like iron and zinc.

benefits:Rich in protein and essential amino acids, tripe is also a good source of vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron, which are important for energy metabolism and immune function.

1 onion, diced:

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2mg
• Total carbohydrate: 10g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Nutritional Benefit: Contains dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants.
• benefits:

benefits:Onions are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. They contain antioxidants and compounds that may reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

1 green bell pepper, diced:

• Calories: 33 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2mg
• Total carbohydrate: 8g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.

2 cloves of garlic, minced:

• Calories: 9 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total carbohydrate: 2g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Nutritional Benefit: Contains allicin, a compound with potential health benefits, and provides flavor without adding many calories.

benefits:Garlic is known for its medicinal properties, including boosting the immune system, reducing blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.

1 tomato, diced:

• Calories: 22 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total carbohydrate: 5g
• Dietary fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Nutritional Benefit: Good source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

benefits:Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K and potassium. They also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain diseases.

1 tablespoon of tomato paste:

• Calories: 13 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 12mg
• Total carbohydrate: 3g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Nutritional Benefit: Concentrated source of tomatoes, providing flavor and some vitamins.

1 tablespoon of dried oregano:

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total carbohydrate: 3g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

benefits:Oregano is a potent antioxidant and has antibacterial properties. It also contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation.

1 tablespoon of dried thyme:

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2mg
• Total carbohydrate: 3g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.

benefits:Thyme contains vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

1 tablespoon of ground cumin:

• Calories: 22 kcal
• Total fat: 1g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 8mg
• Total carbohydrate: 3g
• Dietary fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.

benefits:Cumin is a good source of iron and may help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

1 tablespoon of paprika:

• Calories: 19 kcal
• Total fat: 1g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2mg
• Total carbohydrate: 4g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and contains vitamin A and antioxidants.

benefits: Paprika contains vitamin A, which is important for vision health, as well as antioxidants that may reduce inflammation.

1 tablespoon of salt:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2300mg (Note: Salt has a high sodium content, and this is just an estimation for the entire tablespoon used in the recipe)
• Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential sodium for bodily functions, but excessive intake may have health risks.

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total carbohydrate: 1g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and contains a compound called piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption.

6 cups of water:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 12mg
• Total carbohydrate: 0g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

1/2 cup of chopped cilantro:

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total carbohydrate: 0g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Nutritional Benefit: Adds freshness and flavor; contains small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants.

benefits:ilantro is rich in vitamins A and K and may help lower blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.

1/2 cup of chopped parsley:

• Calories: 11 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 22mg
• Total carbohydrate: 2g
• Dietary fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamins, especially vitamin K, and antioxidants.

benefits:Parsley is rich in vitamins K, C, and A. It also contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

1 lime, juiced:

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total carbohydrate: 3g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Nutritional Benefit: Adds acidity and vitamin C.

benefits:Lime juice is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. It may help improve digestion and promote healthy skin.

Hot sauce, to taste:

• The calorie count for hot sauce can vary significantly based on the brand and amount used. Generally, hot sauce has a minimal calorie content, ranging from 0 to a few calories per serving.
• Nutritional Benefit: Adds heat and flavor with minimal calories.

benefits:Hot sauce, if made from chili peppers, can provide capsaicin, which has been shown to boost metabolism and reduce appetite.

Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. Additionally, some ingredients like water and salt contribute minimal to no calories, carbohydrates, fat, and protein to the overall dish. The sodium content from the salt used in the recipe should be considered in the context of the overall dietary sodium intake.

Sopi Mondongo is a delicious and satisfying soup that is perfect for a comforting meal. It is a great way to use beef tripe and incorporate vegetables into your diet. Give it a try and enjoy the flavors of Aruba!