2 pounds beef shank, with bone
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 onion, chopped
4to 5 quarts of water or beef broth
2 medium carrot, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 potato, chopped
2 ears corn, husked and cut into thirds
2 chayotes, quartered (optional)
1 medium head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 large red tomato (diced)
1 minced clove of garlic