La India Packing Co. in Laredo sells hundreds of different kinds of seasonings and herbal remedies. In the Tasting Room Cafe you can try some of the seasonings before you buy.
The family-owned business still occupies the little house in a residential neighborhood that was the founders' grocery store. Out of sight behind the gaily decorated storefront is a two-story metal warehouse building where the herbs, spices, and seasonings are processed and packaged.
The international purveyor of fine and hard-to-find herbs began in 1924 when Antonio and Antonia Rodriguez opened their grocery store in a neighborhood a few miles from the Rio Grande. To increase sales, the couple also made a traditional Mexican candy they sold to other neighborhood shops.
MENUDO*2 oz. La India menudo mix *8-10 lb.. tripe *salt to taste *1 head garlic *enough water to cover the tripe *2-3 cans hominySTEPS:Take the tripe and remove as much of the fat as possible and then cut into bite size pieces. Rinse and place in a large kettle and bring to boil while adding the salt and one head of garlic (remove after cooking). Next you'll add the La India menudo mix and one, two or even more cans of hominy. Simmer the menudo until both the tripe and hominy is tender.