Recipe of the Month - Caldo de Ibes
During the winter months people here in Felipe Carrillo Puerto and the wider Yucatán Peninsula enjoy hearty and warming dishes much like people in colder countries. One great example of this is caldo de ibes. This comforting, brothy soup is made with ibes—tender, young white beans—along with a flavorful mix of vegetables, aromatic herbs, and often a cut of meat like chicken or pork for added richness.
Perfect for a nourishing lunch or a cozy dinner, this dish highlights the region’s love for simple yet deeply flavorful ingredients. Whether you’re new to Yucatecan cooking or looking to perfect your recipe, this guide will walk you through everything you need to make a delicious bowl of caldo de ibes at home.
Ingredients (approx 6-8 servings):
500g (1 lb) of ibes (white beans)
Approx 4 L (17 cups) of water
1 carrot, chopped
1 chayote, chopped
1 squash, chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
½ white onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
20 chaya or cabbage leaves
500g (1 lb) of pork or chicken (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
If using pork or chicken, grill the meat over charcoal first and then set aside.
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and add the beans along with the vegetables.
Keep on medium heat below boiling.
In a separate pan, sauté the tomato, onion, and garlic with a little oil until fragrant.
Add the sautéed mixture to the pot of beans and vegetables.
Stir in the chaya or cabbage leaves.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If using meat, add the grilled pork/chicken to the broth.
Let everything cook until the beans burst open and become soft (about 1 hour).
Serve in bowls with fresh warm tortillas and a little spicy salsa, if desired.
Enjoy!
Want to know more about Mexican-Maya food? Check out the recipe section of our blog page for some great recipes from the Zona Maya and beyond.
If you want to sample the unique flavors of the Mexican Caribbean, the best place is in the kitchens of our local families. Na’atik’s MaS (Maya and Spanish) immersion students stay with local families during their time with us, sharing three meals a day with their host family. To find out more about how you can improve your language skills and experience the real Mexico, visit our immersion page or send our team an email at mas@naatikmexico.org today.