This postpartum caldo comes from Pānquetzani, whose work is rooted in traditional postpartum care. It is a generous pot of bone broth with vegetables, cumin, cilantro, and epazote—the kind of food that can simmer quietly while the rest of the day happens around it.
Broth is useful food to have waiting after a baby arrives. It can be warmed a cup at a time, served as it is, or turned into a larger meal with rice, vegetables, meat, tortillas, or whatever sounds good that day.
Hear Pānquetzani talk about warmth, food, rest, and being cared for after birth in Sacred Postpartum Traditions: How to Thrive and Honor Your Fourth Trimester.
Caldo (Bone Broth)
Ingredients
- 2-3 organic grass-fed beef bones
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Whole garlic cloves
- Whole onion
- Cumin
- 1-5 Bay Leaves
- Non-fibrous vegetables or fresh herbs of your choice
- Organic grass-fed meats (optional)
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, simmer the beef marrow bones in water over lowheat for 21⁄2–3 hours. Add ground pepper, whole garlic and onion,cumin, and 1 bay leaf.
- Add nonfibrous vegetables or fresh herbs of your choice and simmerfor an additional 20 minutes.
This recipe takes time, but most of that time belongs to the pot. Make a large batch, cool it, and portion some for the fridge or freezer. If you are bringing caldo to another family, label the containers and ask what they would like served alongside it.
Learn more from Pānquetzani at Indigemama and in her book Thriving Postpartum.
Listen While the Broth Simmers
While the broth cooks, listen to Sacred Window Postpartum Care and Why the First 42 Days Matter. This conversation looks at the early weeks after birth as a time for rest, warmth, food, and practical care for the recovering parent.
Love this recipe? You may also like the full Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection.
The content provided in this article(s) is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Neither Sarah Trott nor Fourth Trimester Media Group LLC are liable for claims arising from the use of or reliance on information contained in this article.