Gambian Caldo (seafood Soup)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 pound beef
• 2 carrots
• 2 potatoes
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• to taste cilantro

Steps

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot.
3. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the beef or chicken pieces to the pot.
5. Cook until they are browned on all sides.
6. Stir in the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, sliced celery, chopped bell pepper, and diced tomatoes.
7. Cook for a few minutes to allow the vegetables to soften slightly.
8. Pour in the beef or chicken broth, ensuring that the ingredients are fully covered.
9. Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
10. Stir well to incorporate the spices.
11. Bring the soup to a boil.
12. Reduce the heat to low.
13. Cover the pot.
14. Let it simmer for about 1–1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
15. Taste the soup.
16. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
17. Remove the pot from heat.
18. Ladle the caldo into serving bowls.
19. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.
20. Serve hot.