Sopa de Res (Salvadoran Beef and Vegetable Soup)

Sopa de res is a generous Salvadoran beef and vegetable soup, served as a full meal rather than a light starter. Bone-in beef shank gives the broth depth and body as it slowly simmers, while sweetcorn, potato, carrot and cabbage make each bowl hearty and varied in texture. The vegetables are kept in large pieces, so the soup feels rustic and satisfying, with tender beef that pulls easily from the bone. Fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime at the table lift the savoury broth, adding the bright finish that makes this kind of soup especially comforting without feeling heavy.
Cuisine style Salvadoran home-style cooking
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Slow-cooked • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Slow-cooked

Why this recipe works

  • Deep savoury broth: Bone-in beef shank gives the soup body and richness as it simmers gently with onion, garlic and bay.
  • Vegetables added in stages: Carrots, corn, potatoes and cabbage are added at different points so each ingredient turns tender without losing its shape.
  • Bright finish: Fresh coriander and lime cut through the richness of the beef broth and lift the vegetables.

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Timing notes

  • Mostly hands-off cooking: The active work is mainly chopping and seasoning; most of the time is spent gently simmering the beef until tender.
  • Serve once the beef is tender: The soup is ready when the meat pulls easily from the bone and the vegetables are tender but still distinct.

Ingredient notes

  • Use bone-in beef shank: The bone and connective tissue help create a fuller broth and a more satisfying texture than lean stewing beef.
  • Keep the vegetables chunky: Large pieces suit the long simmer and make sure every bowl gets a clear mix of beef, corn and vegetables.

Common mistakes

  • Avoid a hard boil: A vigorous boil can make the broth cloudy and may toughen the beef; keep the pot at a steady, gentle simmer.
  • Do not add all vegetables at once: Cabbage cooks much faster than corn or potatoes, so adding it near the end keeps it from becoming limp.

Make-ahead tips

  • Reheat gently: Warm the soup on the hob until piping hot, adding a little water if the broth has thickened in the fridge.
  • Freezes well: Cool quickly, freeze in sealed containers, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Put the beef shank in a stockpot and cover with about 2.5 litres of water. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, 1 tsp of the fine sea salt, and the black pepper, then bring to the boil. Skim off any foam, reduce to a gentle simmer, and cook for 75 to 90 minutes until the beef is starting to turn tender.
  2. Meanwhile, peel and cut the carrots into thick chunks. Cut each cob of corn into 3 to 4 pieces. Peel the potatoes and cut into large chunks, then cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Add the carrots and corn to the pot and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the potatoes and simmer for 15 minutes more, then add the cabbage. Continue to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the beef pulls easily from the bone.
  4. Taste the broth and season with the remaining fine sea salt if needed. Finely chop the fresh coriander and stir most of it into the soup. Cut the limes into wedges.
  5. Ladle the sopa de res into bowls, making sure each portion gets beef, vegetables, and a piece of corn. Top with the remaining coriander. Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over the soup.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the simmer gentle; a hard boil can make the broth cloudy and the beef tougher.
  • If the broth reduces too much, top up with a little water and keep simmering until the beef is properly tender.
  • For anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the soup is served piping hot.

Substitutions

  • Replace Fresh corn on the cob with 300 g Frozen sweet corn kernels; add it in the last 5 minutes so it stays sweet.
  • Replace Lime with Lemon for a similar bright finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently on the hob until piping hot; add a splash of water if the broth has thickened. Freeze for up to 3 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 bowls
  • Total time: 2h 40min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Latin American
Beginner friendly One pot Freezer friendly Kid friendly

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