How to Make Traditional Mexican Soups at Home

Mexican cuisine is renowned for its diverse flavors and rich traditions. Among its treasures are traditional soups that embody comfort and warmth. Making these delicious soups at home can be a rewarding experience. Below are some popular traditional Mexican soups and instructions on how to prepare them.

1. Sopa de Tortilla (Tortilla Soup)

Sopa de Tortilla is a classic Mexican soup that features crispy tortilla strips and a savory tomato broth.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 dried ancho chiles
    • 4 ripe tomatoes
    • 1 medium onion, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • Cilantro, avocado, cheese, and lime for garnish
  • Instructions:
    1. Toast the dried chiles in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes.
    2. Blend the chiles, tomatoes, onion, and garlic with a bit of soaking water until smooth.
    3. In a pot, heat the vegetable oil and pour the blended mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
    4. Add the broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook for another 15 minutes.
    5. Serve hot, topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

2. Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Soup)

Caldo de Pollo is a hearty chicken soup filled with vegetables and flavors.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 whole chicken, cut into parts
    • 4 carrots, sliced
    • 3 potatoes, cubed
    • 1 onion, quartered
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 2 ears of corn, cut into pieces
    • 4 cups water or chicken broth
    • Cilantro and lime for garnish
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large pot, combine chicken parts, water or broth, onion, and garlic.
    2. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
    3. Add sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and corn. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
    4. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and lime.

3. Pozole (Hominy Soup)

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy and meat, usually pork or chicken, and is often served on festive occasions.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups dried hominy (or canned, drained)
    • 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed (or chicken)
    • 4 cups water or chicken broth
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1 onion, quartered
    • 2 tablespoons chili powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Radishes, cabbage, lime, and avocado for garnish
  • Instructions:
    1. If using dried hominy, soak it overnight and cook until tender. If using canned, simply drain and rinse.
    2. In a large pot, combine pork, water or broth, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil and simmer until pork is tender (about 1-1.5 hours).
    3. Remove the meat and shred it. Return it to the pot along with the cooked hominy and chili powder.
    4. Simmer for an additional 20 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
    5. Serve hot, garnished with radishes, cabbage, lime, and avocado.

4. Menudo (Beef Tripe Soup)

Menudo is a traditional soup often enjoyed on special occasions. It may