The other day, I was working on a recipe for Caldillo Durangueño and needed the star ingredient – chile pasado. I was tied up at the house, and instead sent my husband (aka “My Gringo”) and my freckled-face, redhead son to a Mexican market to buy it. When they couldn’t find the chiles, my husband asked one of the workers, but he didn’t speak much English. So, my Gringo asked him again but this time in Spanish. Guys, I wish I had been there. Not to help them communicate, but to see this native Mexican, non-English speaker’s face when my Gringo (accompanied by his redheaded son) start speaking Spanish, asking for a hard-to-find chile that is regional to Durango.
Durango, Mexico. It has a special place in my heart, my friends. Most of my family still lives there, and up to just a few months ago, my dad also lived there. It’s what you think of when you think of Mexico – cowboy boots, sombreros, horses, and trucks. But it is also deep in history and traditions. A cathedral in the capital city of Durango, Durango where I had my quinceañera and where my parents got married. 500-year-old cobblestone streets and buildings that will make you think you’re in Paris, Madrid, or Florence. Caldillo Durangueño is probably the most famous dish to come from DGO. I’m sharing it with you, but I’m mainly publishing it for my son. That he may always be proud of coming from this gorgeous state and keep our family memories alive.
Caldillo Durangueño is not something you’ll find listed on the menu of a Mexican restaurant. You’ll mostly find this dish made by little abuelitas at home. I called several family members to get their recipes until I finally played with it enough to make my own version. Caldillo Durangueño must have chile pasado. Here’s the problem: It is hard to find chile pasado even in San Diego, California, and it’s expensive. Luckily, you just need a few. So, it’s worth the buy.
Chile pasado is a poblano chile that has been roasted. The seeds and the stems have not been removed. Then dried. This chile is native to Durango and to the neighboring state of Chihuahua. Both claim ownership of this chile. Since I’m from Durango, I will say … Get your own chiles, Chihuahua! 🙂 If you can’t find it, use 2 more chile poblano. Roast, peel, and slice the poblano peppers. From here, cut them into smaller pieces to fit your spoon better.
Cut the beef into large chunks. I used a lean top sirloin because it’s less fatty. You can also use chopped and ready-to-use beef stew meat that you find at the grocery store. Or chop up a beef roast like chuck roast. Brown and drain any excess fat.
In the meantime, make your tomato mixture. Blend until smooth. Add to the pot. See how it’s more of a pink color? That’s because the tomatoes are not cooked. It will develop a stronger red color as it simmers.
Caldillo Durangueño is a Mexican stew full of deep, robust flavors and made with chiles. It’s a delicious bowl of comfort food from the beautiful state of Durango, Mexico. From my familia to yours, I hope you enjoy!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lbs beef, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper
- 4 chile pasado, toasted, cut lengthwise, deveined, and finely chopped
- 4 chile poblano, roasted, skin removed, and sliced
- 6 tomatoes, diced
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole cumin
- 8 cups of beef broth (divided)
- In a large stockpot, heat up the oil.
- Salt and pepper the beef.
- Add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides.
- Remove meat from pot and set aside.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chile pasado and chile poblano to the pot.
- Cook for 2 minutes. Stirring constantly.
- In a blender, add tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin and just enough beef broth to blend everything.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add the tomato mixture to the pot and stir to combine.
- Let cook for 1 minute.
- Return the meat to the pot.
- Add the remaining beef broth.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Don’t forget to check for salt.
- Serve and enjoy.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
I LOVE poblanos! This looks great!
Maggie Unzueta says
Thank you! I love poblanos too. 🙂
Renee Gardner says
This stew sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing a bit about your native home.
Maggie Unzueta says
Thank you. I’ve been waiting to share this recipe for some time now.
G says
Tomatoes are not authentic to this traditional recipe. Very 20th century!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
Ha, what timing. I’ve been thinking about Mexico today too as I was painting a sugar skull and then I stumble on your Mexican recipe. Fate or what?
Maggie Unzueta says
Totally fate! Lol.
Christine says
This stew looks delicious! Would love to try it soon!
Maggie Unzueta says
Hope you do. It’s a great stew!
Janette | Culinary Ginger says
This is a great story and thank you for sharing this delicious recipe.
Maggie Unzueta says
Thank you! 🙂
Sonia says
Hi.. What kind of beef did you used, this looks delicious 😋
Maggie Unzueta says
You can use whatever kind of beef you like. I go for whatever is on sale. Flap or even chop up a beef roast. Hope you like it!
Marie says
Is there a substitute for the pasado chile?
Maggie Unzueta says
Yes. If you can’t find chile pasado, you can use more roasted poblano chile to make Caldillo Durangueño.
Chile pasado is simply twice dried poblano chile. Hope you like this recipe!
Namcy says
That loooks delicious! My parents are from Durango and I lived there during my middle school years. I make this dish but add potatoes, really yummy. I also live in San Diego and Durango always has a special place in my heart. Love your blog!
Maggie Unzueta says
That’s awesome! We have a lot in common. 🙂
Thank you for visiting my blog.
Luz says
Just tried the Caldillo, also added potatoes. I used the tomatoes in chunks. Delicious.
Thanks for the recipe almost like grandma’s cooking. 🙃
Maggie Unzueta says
Awww.. that’s wonderful. It brings back some great memories of Durango.
Esther luz says
Love your blog , am from Durango too and a Unzueta too love Chile pasado and make Chile’s rellenos with it
Maggie Unzueta says
Seguro que somos parientes. Muchos saludos.
Gemma says
Ooh, with chile pasado! It sounds amazing! I will definitely try this.
Maggie Unzueta says
Hope you do. This stew is very warm and dear to my heart.