History of the Soup
Although there is no confirmed history, there will always be theories that can give us an idea of where a typical dish might have originated. In the case of mondongo, it is said to come from Peru, specifically from one of the tribes that inhabited the current Peruvian territory.
And this hypothesis suggests that, with the arrival of the Spaniards to the territory, many existing foods at the time were renewed. Among these was a vegetarian version of what would become mondongo soup.
This was called "mote pelado," an indigenous soup made with local ingredients, which after the arrival of the colonizers, would include meat. It became popular and eventually spread to countries like Venezuela, where it was warmly received.
Curiosities
Mondongo is a well-known soup in Latin American countries and in European countries like Spain.
In Venezuela, mondongo is considered a typical dish, often made with beef stomach, and accompanied by various vegetables and greens. It is usually served with arepas or rice.
Meanwhile, in other countries, it presents different variations. For example, in Panama, black pepper, grated onion, and garlic are often added; in Peru, it is cooked with different meats, such as pork and mutton. In Colombia, it is prepared with pig's feet and seasoned with peas and corn.
Thanks to its vegetables, greens, and meat, mondongo is considered healthy. In fact, when consumed in moderation, it is rich in vitamin B12 and provides minerals such as iron and magnesium.
