Mexico 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: 4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 8 corn tortillas
- Salt, to taste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 celery rib, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) dried mexican oregano, crumbled
- 1 large tomato, peeled and chopped
- 8 cups (1.9 l) chicken stock
- 1½ 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
- Add the oil to a medium skillet and heat until very hot.
- Cut the tortillas into ¼-inch (6-mm) strips. Add the strips to the skillet and fry until lightly golden and crisp. Salt to taste. Set aside and reserve the oil.
- Pour 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the reserved oil into a large saucepan. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and pepper, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft.
- 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 and then simmer until the chicken is cooked, around 15 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside to cool. Continue simmering the liquid.
- When the chicken has cooled, shred the breasts into small pieces and return them to the saucepan. Add the green onions and lime juice. Cook until the chicken is heated. Then 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.Copyright © 1993—2024 World Trade Press. All rights reserved.