Best Mexican Soup Recipes

CALDO DE RES (MEXICAN BEEF SOUP)

Steps:

• Cut the meat from the beef bones into about 1/2 inch pieces, leaving some on the bones.
• Heat a heavy soup pot over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the oil, tilting the pan to coat the bottom. Add the meat and bones, and season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until thoroughly browned.
• Add 1 onion, and cook until onion is also lightly browned. Stir in the tomatoes and broth. The liquid should cover the bones by 1/2 inch. If not, add enough water to compensate. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour with the lid on loosely. If meat is not tender, continue cooking for another 10 minutes or so.
• Pour in the water, and return to a simmer. Add the carrot and 1/4 cup cilantro, and cook for 10 minutes, then stir in the potato, corn and chayote. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Push the cabbage wedges into the soup, and cook for about 10 more minutes.
• Ladle soup into large bowls, including meat vegetables and bones. Garnish with jalapenos, minced onion, and additional cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over all, and serve with radishes.

MEXICAN CHICKEN SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lay chicken breasts onto a baking sheet and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, cool and shred or cut into strips.
• While the chicken is cooking, heat oil in a stockpot and cook the onions and celery until soft. Stir in the water and chicken broth. Season with cumin, black pepper and remaining taco seasoning mix. Simmer for 30 minutes for the flavors to mingle. Add the tomatoes, cilantro and chicken, simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve hot topped with avocado, shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips.

MEXICAN CHICKEN SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the chicken breasts skin side up on a sheet pan. Rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until done. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, discard the skin and bones, and shred the meat. Cover and set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until the onions start to brown. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chicken stock, tomatoes with their puree, jalapenos, cumin, coriander, 1 tablespoon salt (depending on the saltiness of the chicken stock), 1 teaspoon pepper, and the cilantro, if using. Cut the tortillas in 1/2, then cut them crosswise into 1/2-inch strips and add to the soup. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Add the shredded chicken and season to taste. Serve the soup hot topped with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese, and broken tortilla chips.

MEXICAN CHICKEN AND RICE SOUP (SOPA DE POLLO Y ARROZ)

Steps:

• Bring stock to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Add chicken legs; return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, skimming away foam that forms on the surface. Add carrots, onion, celery, cilantro, garlic, and mint.
• Cover pot and cook until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 30 minutes more. Remove chicken from the pot; discard skin and bones. Shred meat using 2 forks.
• Return chicken meat to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Add rice. Let chicken and rice warm up, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and pour soup into serving bowls. Top with avocado and serrano peppers and squeeze in lime juice.

SLOW COOKER MEXICAN CHICKEN SOUP

Steps:

• Put the chicken in a slow cooker. Sprinkle on the chili powder, cumin and some salt and pepper. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, tomatoes with chiles, tomato paste, onion, chipotle pepper and red and yellow peppers. Stir, place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
• Stir in the lime juice. Remove the chicken to a plate and use 2 forks to break it into chunks (or shred it finely). Return the chicken to the pot, taste and add more seasoning if necessary.
• Serve piping hot in a bowl with avocado, sour cream, grated cheese, crushed tortilla chips and cilantro leaves on top!

SOPA DE ALBóNDIGAS (MEXICAN MEATBALL SOUP)

Steps:

• Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, rice, mint, garlic, salt and pepper. Using your hands, gently mix until well combined. Pinch off 2-ounce portions and gently roll between your palms to form golf ball-size rounds, transferring rounds to a sheet pan. (You should have about 28 meatballs.)
• In large pot, combine the olive oil, onion, carrots, celery and potato; season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, garlic, bay leaves, oregano and cumin, and cook over medium, stirring frequently, until fragrant and tomato paste starts to caramelize, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and tomato sauce and bring to a simmer over high.
• Once the stock begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low. Carefully add the meatballs, one by one, distributing them evenly in the pot until they're all submerged. If necessary, reduce the heat to reach a low simmer (this will keep the meatballs tender), and cook until the meatballs and rice are cooked through, about 40 minutes. (Resist the urge to stir for the first 20 minutes, otherwise you risk breaking the meatballs apart before they've firmed up.) Skim any impurities from the surface as the soup simmers.
• Season to taste with salt. Divide the soup among bowls, about four or five meatballs per portion, and set out bowls of whatever garnishes you like.

POSOLE (MEXICAN SOUP WITH PORK AND HOMINY)

Steps:

• In a large pan.
• Saute onions in lard or bacon drippings until clear.
• Add garlic and spices and cook another two minutes.
• Add meat, green chili, rinsed hominy and beans.
• The beans are not traditional but we like them.
• Cook another two minutes.
• Pour stock over all.
• Add salt to taste.
• Simmer, covered, about 1hour.
• Pass cilantro and lime wedges for those who like a pinch of cilantro and a squeeze of lime over their soup.
• I serve this with large corn chips and cold melon.

MEXICAN TORTILLA SOUP

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the ancho pepper and water; let stand for 20 minutes or until pepper is softened. Drain and discard water; set pepper aside., In a large saucepan, heat 1 in. of oil to 350°. Add half of the tortilla strips; cook and stir until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining tortilla strips; set aside., Drain saucepan, reserving 2 teaspoons of oil. In reserved oil, cook the onion, garlic and ancho pepper over low heat until onion is golden brown, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat; cool slightly. Transfer to a food processor; add tomatoes. Cover and process until smooth., Return mixture to the pan. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat until mixture has thickened to the consistency of tomato paste, 10 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes., Add the cilantro, salt and, if desired, cayenne. Divide cheese and avocado among six bowls; top with the soup, tortilla strips and quartered lime slices.

CALDO DE POLLO (MEXICAN CHICKEN SOUP)

Steps:

• Combine 6 cups chicken broth, water, chicken tenders, chicken bouillon cubes, olive oil, granulated garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover pot, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes. Gently shred chicken using 2 forks. Add onion to broth and simmer for about 5 more minutes.
• Bring 2 cups chicken broth, rice, and chili powder to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 25 minutes.
• Spoon rice into each serving bowl and pour soup over rice. Garnish with avocado slices and cilantro.

MEXICAN CHORIZO AND CORN SOUP

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, cook and crumble chorizo over medium heat until cooked through, 4-6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove chorizo to paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings in pan., In drippings, saute onion and the red and poblano peppers over medium heat until tender, 8-10 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in flour and seasonings until blended; cook and stir 3 minutes. Gradually stir in broth., Add potatoes and corn; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes. Stir in sour cream and chorizo; heat through. If desired, serve with cheese and cilantro.

SOPA DE TORTILLA (REAL MEXICAN TORTILLA SOUP)

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add tortilla strips in batches and fry until brown and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
• Fry pasilla chiles in the same pan, being careful not to burn them, until browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
• Combine 1 fried pasilla pepper, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and oregano in a blender; blend until smooth. Strain through a sieve into a bowl.
• Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add tomato mixture and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Stir in chicken granules and parsley. Cover and simmer over low heat until flavors are well combined, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and discard parsley.
• Divide fried tortilla strips among 4 bowls. Pour soup on top of tortilla strips and garnish with diced avocado and cotija cheese. Cut remaining fried pasilla peppers into thin strips and sprinkle over soup. Add Mexican crema to each bowl.

MEXICAN-INSPIRED CHICKEN SOUP

Steps:

• In a large nonstick skillet, saute chicken in oil until no longer pink. Add water and taco seasoning; simmer, uncovered, until chicken is well coated. , Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the V8 juice, salsa, beans and corn. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through. If desired, serve with optional toppings.

MEXICAN BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the next 10 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Garnish with cheese and sour cream if desired.

MEXICAN NOODLE SOUP (SOPA DE FIDEO)

Steps:

• Combine 1/2 cup chicken stock, tomatoes, onion, serrano chile, and garlic in a blender. Blend until smooth. Strain tomato sauce into a bowl and reserve.
• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add pasta; cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Pour tomato sauce into the saucepan over the noodles; add parsley and remaining chicken stock. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until noodles are soft, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with Cotija cheese.

SPICY MEXICAN TORTILLA SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a 6-quart saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and peppers and cook for 2 minutes or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the tomato paste, corn, beans, tomatoes, broth and chicken and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve topped with crushed tortilla chips or strips, if desired.

MEXICAN CHICKEN SOUP WITH GARBANZO BEANS (CALDO TLALPENO)

Steps:

• Combine chicken breasts, 1/2 an onion, celery, and parsley with cold water and chicken bouillon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer the stock until chicken is no longer pink in the center, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Remove chicken from the stock and shred with a fork. Strain stock and discard onion, celery, and parsley. Return stock to the saucepan.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook and stir until transparent, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Pour mixture into a blender; add 1 cup stock. Cover and hold lid down with a potholder; pulse a few times before leaving on to blend.
• Pour tomato mixture into the saucepan of stock; add chickpeas and carrots. Let simmer until carrots are nearly softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken and chipotle peppers. Let simmer until flavors blend and carrots are tender, about 10 minutes more. Season with salt and serve with avocados, lime quarters, and Oaxaca cheese on the side.

MEXICAN ZUCCHINI CHEESE SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot, and saute the onion and garlic until tender. Season with oregano.
• Mix in the chicken broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Mix in the zucchini, yellow squash, corn, and chile peppers. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
• Mix the cubed processed cheese into the soup. Continue to cook and stir until cheese is melted. Season with pepper. Mix in the cilantro just before serving.

MEXICAN TORTILLA CHICKEN SOUP

Steps:

• Place a stockpot over medium heat and coat with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the onions, garlic, jalapenos, and tomatoes; cook, stirring for 15 minutes until the vegetables are cooked down and pulpy. Pour in the stock, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 1-inch of canola oil in a skillet over medium-high flame. When the oil begins to smoke, add the tortilla strips in batches and fry until they are crisp on all sides. Remove to a paper towel-lined platter and sprinkle with salt while they are still hot.
• Ladle the hot soup into 4 soup bowls and put a pile of shredded chicken on top of each. Top with the diced avocado and fried tortilla strips (and cheese if using). Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
• Place the chicken and vegetables in a large stockpot over medium heat. Pour in only enough cold water to cover (about 3 quarts); too much will make the broth taste weak. Toss in the thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns, and allow it to slowly come to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and gently simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, partially covered, until the chicken is done. As it cooks, skim any impurities that rise to the surface; add a little more water if necessary to keep the chicken covered while simmering.
• Carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board. When its cool enough to handle, discard the skin and bones; hand-shred the meat into a storage container.
• Carefully strain the stock through a fine sieve into another pot to remove the vegetable solids. Use the stock immediately or if you plan on storing it, place the pot in a sink full of ice water and stir to cool down the stock. Cover and refrigerate for up to one week or freeze.
• Yield: 2 quarts

MEXICAN CHICKEN MEATBALL SOUP (SOPA DE ALBONDIGAS DE POLLO)

Steps:

• Combine 4 tomatoes, 1/2 an onion, and garlic in a blender. Blend until smooth.
• Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the blended tomato mixture; cook until mixture changes color, about 5 minutes. Add chicken stock, reduce heat, and simmer while you prepare the meatballs.
• Place ground chicken in a bowl. Add 3 chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, egg, rice, mint, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until mixture is uniform. Take about 1/4 cup of mixture and form into round meatballs using wet hands. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken mixture.
• Bring stock mixture to a boil. Place a meatball into a ladle and submerge into the boiling stock. Remove ladle and repeat with remaining meatballs.
• Place zucchini, chayote, and carrots into the stock. Bring to a boil again. Lower heat, season with salt, and cover. Simmer until meatballs are no longer pink in the center and vegetables are soft, about 30 minutes.

MEXICAN BLACK BEAN SOUP WITH SAUSAGE

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic along with the chipotle, cumin and oregano and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the black beans and chicken stock and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Using a potato masher, coarsely crush some of the beans.
• Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage to the beans, along with the lime juice and cilantro; season with salt and pepper. Simmer the soup for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve, passing the sour cream and lime wedges separately.