How to make Sopa de Lima
Ingredients:
For The Soup:
2 lbs chicken pieces – bone-in and skin on
6 cups chicken broth
1 large onion, cut in half – keep 1 half intact and finely dice the other half.
8 cloves garlic – keep 4 whole and finely mince the other 4.
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
¼ tsp Mexican oregano
½ cup fire-roasted tomatoes
¼ cup finely chopped green peppers
¼ cup fresh lime juice – plus extra sliced limes for garnish
1 cup chopped cilantro
For The Crispy Tortilla Strips:
2 corn tortillas, cut into strips
¼ cup vegetable oil
More Garnish Ideas:
lime wedges
chopped avocado
sliced jalapenos
fresh salsa
crumbled queso or shredded cheese
sour cream
Instructions:
Add the pieces of chicken to a large pot and sprinkle with sea salt and fresh pepper. Add the broth, ½ of the onion, 4 cloves of garlic, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and oregano.
Bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium and simmer until chicken is cooked through – approximately 20 minutes.
Remove the chicken pieces to a plate and set aside. when it is cool enough to handle remove the skin and bones and shred the meat.
Strain the broth into another pot or large bowl. Reserve the broth and set aside.
Wipe out the soup pot and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Set over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green pepper, sprinkle with sea salt and fresh pepper, and stir well.
Let cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until softened. Add the minced garlic and stir for 1 more minute.
Add the broth back to the pot along with the fire-roasted tomatoes, stir, and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add the shredded chicken back to the pot along with the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Taste and adjust seasonings for more salt or pepper as desired.
For The Tortilla Strips:
Warm the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When it is hot, the tortilla strips, and fry for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tortilla strips are mostly crisp all over. Transfer the strips to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crispy tortilla strips and other desired garnishes.
Notes:
Serving suggestions
Toppings include tortilla chips, fresh avocado slices, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, fresh salsa, crumbled queso, or shredded cheese.
Serve with tortillas or crusty bread on the side so sop up some of that beautiful broth.
Storing and reheating
To store the soup, let it cool to room temperature then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 2-3 days.
To reheat, pour the soup into a large pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer over medium-low until it is heated through. Meanwhile, prepare the garnishes.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1351mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 458IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 1mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use boneless and skinless chicken for this recipe, and how would it affect the cooking time?
Yes, you can use boneless and skinless chicken, but the cooking time will be reduced as bone-in, and skin-on chicken typically takes longer to cook.
Check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.
Is Mexican oregano different from regular oregano, and can I use the latter as a substitute?
Mexican oregano has a slightly different flavor profile than regular oregano, but you can use the latter as a substitute if Mexican oregano is not available.
The taste may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make the crispy tortilla strips ahead of time, and how can I store them to keep them crisp?
Yes, you can make the tortilla strips ahead of time. To keep them crisp, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
If they become slightly less crisp, you can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
What can I use as a vegan or vegetarian substitute for chicken in the soup?
For a vegan version, you can use plant-based chicken substitutes made from tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
Alternatively, you can use chickpeas or other beans for a hearty vegan option.
Can I freeze the leftover soup, and what is the best way to reheat it without losing flavor or texture?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.
To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Avoid boiling to prevent overcooking the ingredients and losing flavor or texture.
What makes Sopa de Lima unique and distinct from other chicken soups?
Sopa de Lima is distinct for its vibrant citrus flavor, primarily derived from the fresh lime juice.
The addition of Mexican oregano, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green peppers also contributes to its unique taste.
Furthermore, the crispy tortilla strips and garnishes enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken pieces from scratch?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the soup during the final steps to infuse it with the soup’s flavors.
Is there a vegetarian version of Sopa de Lima, and what can I use as a substitute for chicken broth?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead.
For added protein, consider adding cooked beans like black beans or pinto beans.
How can I intensify the lime flavor in the soup without making it too tart?
To intensify the lime flavor without making the soup too tart, you can zest some lime peels into the broth during the simmering process.
Additionally, adding a small amount of lime zest to the garnish can enhance the lime essence without overwhelming the overall taste.
Can I prepare the soup in advance and reheat it later, or is it best served immediately?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it later. It actually allows the flavors to meld and develop further over time.
Just store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low to medium heat.
Remember to add the crispy tortilla strips and fresh garnishes just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.