Menudo Rojo (Red Menudo)

Ingredients

• 3 gallons water, divided
• 2 1/2 pounds beef tripe, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 large white onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons ground red pepper
• 5 de arbol chile peppers
• 6 japones chile peppers, seeds removed
• 6 cups canned white or yellow hominy, drained
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 limes, juiced

Directions

In a large pot, bring 1 gallon water to a boil. Place tripe in the pot, reduce heat, and simmer 2 hours. Periodically skim off fat with a spoon. Drain water, reduce heat, and pour in a fresh gallon of water. Continue to simmer tripe for 2 hours; drain.

Pour remaining 1 gallon water into the pot with tripe, and bring to a boil. Stir in garlic and 1 white onion. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour.

Preheat the broiler.

Arrange the de arbol chile peppers on a baking sheet, and broil about 2 minutes, just until they begin to scorch. Remove from heat, slit lengthwise, and remove seeds. In a blender or food processor, blend the de arbol chile peppers and japones chile peppers until very finely chopped. Mix into the pot, and continue cooking 2 hours over low heat.

Mix the hominy into the pot. Continue cooking 1 hour. Serve with remaining onion, cilantro, and lime juice.