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Yucatán Sopa de Lima

Yucatán Sopa de Lima
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Yucatán Sopa de Lima is a traditional Mexican lime soup from the Yucatán Peninsula featuring a bright, zesty lime broth with shredded chicken, aromatic spices, sautéed vegetables, and crispy tortilla strips. This light yet satisfying soup offers a refreshing balance of citrus and savory flavors, capturing the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or quality store-bought)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (optional)

Citrus and Garnishes

  • Juice of 3–4 fresh limes (Key or Persian limes recommended)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • Avocado slices (optional for garnish)
  • Mexican crema or sour cream (optional for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Tortilla Strips

  • 4 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
  • Oil for frying or baking tortilla strips

Optional Variations

  • Sliced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for spice
  • Mushrooms or jackfruit for vegetarian substitution
  • Shrimp or fish for seafood variation
  • Zucchini or corn for extra vegetables
  • Gluten-free tortillas for gluten-sensitive diets

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, simmer the chicken broth with bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it cook over medium heat for at least 15 minutes to develop a deep, aromatic base.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and bell peppers (if using), and cook until softened to release their natural sweetness.
  3. Add Chicken and Combine: Stir shredded chicken into the simmering broth along with the sautéed vegetables. Allow the soup to bubble gently for 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
  4. Infuse with Lime Juice: Just before serving, stir in freshly squeezed lime juice. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of tanginess; this bright citrus flavor is key to authentic Yucatán Sopa de Lima.
  5. Prepare and Add Tortilla Strips: Cut corn tortillas into thin strips. Fry in oil or bake until crispy and golden. Sprinkle these crispy tortilla strips on top of each bowl just before serving to add crunch and texture contrast.

Notes

  • Always use fresh lime juice, never bottled, for the best citrus flavor.
  • If possible, use homemade chicken broth for richer depth and lower sodium content.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and maintain the soup’s light texture.
  • Toast tortilla strips for a healthier alternative to frying, preserving crunch without extra grease.
  • Add chili peppers gradually and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the lime’s bright flavor.
  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; keep tortilla strips separate.
  • The soup freezes well without tortilla strips; thaw overnight in the fridge before gentle reheating.
  • Reheat gently over low heat to preserve delicate flavors, then add fresh lime juice and tortilla strips before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Yucatán Sopa de Lima, Mexican lime soup, chicken lime soup, traditional Mexican soup, lime broth, tortilla strips soup

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/yucatn-sopa-de-lima/