How To Make Mexican Soup – A Well-Balanced Soup To Try

Discover the vibrant world of Mexican soups, a culinary realm pulsating with rich flavors, heartwarming broths, and active ingredients. Each simmering pot tells a tale, from the comforting depths of traditional Pozole to the zesty allure of Sopa de Lima.

Bask in the satisfaction of scooping up soft chunks of Albondigas or unearthing succulent shrimp in a bowl of Caldo de Camaron. 

As the spoons dip and swirl, the taste buds revel in a gastronomic fiesta, a testament to Mexico’s grand culinary heritage. Dive in, and let the adventure begin – it’s not just food. It’s a sensory voyage!

What Is Mexican Soup?

Mexican soup, often vibrant and teeming with a mix of ingredients, encapsulates the depth of Mexico’s culinary landscape.

From the hearty Pozole brimming with hominy and meat to the tangy Sopa de Lima, rich with chicken and lime, each soup represents a distinct region or tradition. 

Other favorites include Albondigas, a meatball soup, and Caldo de Camaron, a spicy shrimp broth.

These soups often feature a delightful blend of spices, fresh produce, and proteins, offering a comforting and satisfying dish enjoyed across generations.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

• Keto Most Mexican soups are naturally low in carbs but skip starchy ingredients like corn or beans. Add more meat, and use a high-fat, low-carb broth.
• Paleo Similar to Keto, avoid beans, corn, and any dairy products. Opt for grass-fed meats and bone broth, and load up on vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Thankfully, many traditional Mexican soups are already gluten-free. However, always double-check your broth and any added sauces for hidden gluten.
• Whole30 Mexican soups can be made compliant by skipping sugar, dairy, beans, and grains. Use compliant broth, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables.
• Vegetarian Replace traditional meat with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh, or increase the amount of beans and veggies. Make sure to use vegetable broth.
• Vegan Like the vegetarian variant, replace animal-derived ingredients like honey or chicken broth with plant-based alternatives.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Protein: While the soup may call for a certain type of protein, like chicken or shrimp, you could easily switch this up. Try beef, pork, tofu, or tempeh, depending on your preference.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables. Zucchini, carrots, or spinach could make great additions.
• Broth: Chicken, vegetable, beef, or seafood broth can be used depending on the recipe. For a creamier soup, consider adding some coconut milk.

Add-Ons

• Grains: For a heartier soup, add in some cooked quinoa, rice, or even small pasta shapes.
• Beans: Black beans or pinto beans could be an alternative to kidney beans.
• Spices: If you like it hotter, add more chiles or a dash of hot sauce. For smokiness, try a pinch of chipotle powder.

Toppings

• Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, or even a sprinkle of fresh oregano could add a refreshing touch.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar adds a lovely melt-in-your-mouth quality. Queso fresco or crumbled feta could provide a tangy contrast.
• Avocado: Slices or cubes of ripe avocado add creaminess.
• Citrus: A squeeze of lime or lemon just before serving can brighten the flavors.
• Tortilla Strips: For a crunchy contrast, top with tortilla strips. You can easily make these by cutting tortillas into strips, tossing them with oil, and baking until crisp.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top will add a cool and creamy contrast to the soup’s heat.

Can I Make The Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

For A Slow Cooker

• Add all the ingredients (except those intended as garnishes) to the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Check the soup for seasoning and adjust as necessary before serving.

For An Instant Pot

• Use the sauté function to heat some oil, add the onions, bell peppers, and any raw meat (if using), and cook until they soften or brown.
• Add the rest of the ingredients (except garnishes), secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to the Soup setting.
• For any remaining pressure, manually release it after 10-15 minutes after the cooking cycle is complete.
• Check the soup for seasoning and adjust as necessary before serving.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Both store-bought and homemade broth can work well in your Mexican soup, but each comes with its advantages.

The store-bought broth is a great option when you’re short on time. It’s convenient and ready to use, making it a perfect choice for quick meals. However, looking at the label when choosing your broth is important.

Opt for low-sodium versions so you can control the salt content of your soup, and avoid broths with added artificial flavors or preservatives.

On the other hand, homemade broth can elevate the flavor of your soup. It allows you to control the ingredients and the intensity of the flavors. Making broth at home requires more time, but it can be a great way to use leftover bones or vegetable scraps.

You can also make a large batch and freeze it in smaller portions for later use.

How To Serve?

• Warm Bowls: Heat the soup bowls before serving the soup to keep it warmer for longer. You can do this by filling them with hot water and emptying just before serving.
• Accompaniments: Serve your soup with traditional Mexican sides like corn tortillas, Mexican rice, or a side salad.
• Garnishes: A finishing sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions adds color and new flavor. A dollop of sour cream or crumbled queso fresco can add creaminess. For a bit of crunch, consider tortilla strips or toasted pumpkin seeds.
• Add-Ins: Let your guests customize their soup with a range of add-ins. Chopped avocados, lime wedges, diced fresh tomatoes, or even extra chopped chiles can all be served on the side.
• Drinks: A cold Mexican beer or a non-alcoholic beverage like horchata or tamarind juice complements the flavors of the soup nicely.
• Presentation: Finally, consider the production. Serving the soup in colorful bowls with vibrant garnishes can make the dish look as delicious as it tastes.

Perfect Side Dishes 

• Corn Tortillas: Serve warm corn tortillas on the side. They can be used to scoop up the soup or enjoyed independently.
• Mexican Rice: A flavorful Mexican rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices would complement the soup nicely.
• Guacamole And Chips: A bowl of homemade guacamole served with tortilla chips offers a refreshing contrast to a hot soup.
• Mexican Slaw: A slaw made with cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and a tangy dressing can add a refreshing crunch.
• Ensalada De Nopalitos: This salad from diced cactus paddles is a unique and traditional Mexican side dish.
• Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas can be a hit, especially with kids. You can also add vegetables or meats to make them more substantial.
• Pico De Gallo: This fresh salsa can contrast refreshingly with a rich, warm soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: Store the Mexican soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make Ahead: To make ahead, prepare the soup as instructed but do not add any toppings or garnishes. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add toppings and garnishes just before serving for the best taste and texture.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

• Reheat and Eat: The simplest way is to reheat and enjoy as is, perhaps with a new garnish for variety.
• Soup Bowls: Hollow out a sourdough loaf and pour the reheated soup into it. It’s a meal and a bowl in one!
• Soup-Based Pasta Sauce: Reduce the leftover soup on the stove to thicken it and serve as a sauce for pasta.
• Soup Omelet: Pour a small amount of soup over a nearly-cooked omelet for added flavor.
• Casserole: Use the soup as a base for a casserole. Just add protein, vegetables, and a topping like breadcrumbs or cheese.
• Risotto: Replace the stock typically used in risotto recipes with soup for a flavor-packed variation.
• Bread Dip: Warm up the soup and serve as a dip for crusty bread.

TIPS

• Choose the Right Peas: Opt for fresh, sweet peas if available. Frozen peas are a good alternative and can be just as tasty.
• Enhance the Flavor: Add depth to your soup by sautéing onions and garlic in butter or olive oil before adding the peas and broth.
• Herb Infusion: Infuse the soup with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or tarragon. Simply add them to the pot while the soup simmers, then remove before blending.
• Texture Variation: For a more interesting texture, reserve some peas before blending and add them back into the soup after blending.
• Creamy Finish: Finish the soup with a touch of cream or Greek yogurt for added richness and creaminess.

Nutrition Table