Sopa de Lima

Sopa de lima

This soup from Yucatán proves that lime is not only used to add flavor to tequila. This citrus fruit is also great to provide that extra zest to all kinds of Mexican dishes. This soup—which contains tortilla strips, chicken, and vegetables—has a long history, as it used to be prepared by the Mayans. Recipe Servings: Serves 4

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

50 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 5 minutes

Vegetarian

Vegan

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Kosher

Halal

Ingredients

8 corn tortillas
1/2 cup vegetable oil
salt to taste
1 medium onion, chopped
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
1 carrot, thinly sliced
1 jalapeño or serrano, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) dried mexican oregano, crumbled
1 large tomato, peeled and chopped
8 cups (1.9 l) chicken stock
1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 green onions, finely chopped
3 limes, juiced
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp (5 g) chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

In a medium skillet, heat the oil until very hot.
Cut the tortillas into 1/4-in (6-mm) strips, and fry until lightly golden and crisp. Salt to taste. Set aside and reserve the oil.
In a large saucepan, pour 1 tbsp (15 ml) of the reserved oil. Over medium heat, cook the onion, celery, carrot, and jalapeño until soft. Stir occasionally.
Add the garlic, bay leaf, and Mexican oregano. Cook for 1 more minute.
Add the tomato and cook until soft.
When the mixture is nearly dry, add the chicken stock and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil. Simmer until the chicken is cooked, around 15 minutes.
Remove chicken and set aside. Let it cool. Continue simmering.
Shred the chicken breasts into small pieces and put back in the saucepan. Add the green onions and lime juice. Cook until the chicken is heated.
Salt to taste.
Serve the soup with the tortilla strips and garnish with avocado and cilantro.

Notes

Depending on where in Mexico it is prepared, sopa de lima may incorporate different spicy seasonings, such as chipotle adobado (chipotle peppers in adobo sauce) or guajillo chiles.