An Ancestral Dish Dating Back to Pre-Hispanic Times

“Caldo de Piedra” (Stone Soup) is a traditional dish dating back to pre-Hispanic times in Mexico. It is a regional dish, originating in the area that is now known as the state of Oaxaca.

Caldo de Piedra is a traditional dish of the Chinantecos, who are some of the many indigenous people of the land. The population of Chinantecosis is approximately 224,000.

The people primarily live in 17 municipalities in Oaxaca and continue to speak their native language. Chinantecos call themselves “tsa ju jmí”, which means “people of ancient word” and maintain a great attachment to nature and the elements of fire, water, air, and earth.

“Caldo de Piedra” is famous worldwide for its exotic preparation

It is a fish soup cooked with rocks! The ingredients are simple:

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Cilantro
• Epazotes (Mexican herbs)
• Chili
• Salt to taste
• Fish

It’s the preparation that makes this dish unique!   Enjoy this video from “Grandma Oti” and learn how to make it at home – but, it’s a long process!

Youtube: CALDO DE PIEDRA – Hecho por la abuela Oti (made by Grandma Oti)

References:

National Secretary of Education for Mexico http://basica.primariatic.sep.gob.mx/descargas/colecciones/proyectos/red_escolar/publi_mexico/publichinan.htm