Mexican soups offer a delightful array of flavors and ingredients that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, creamy, or savory dishes, Mexican cuisine has something special to offer in the form of hearty soups. These recipes not only bring warmth and comfort but also a taste of authentic Mexican culture right to your kitchen.
Exploring these 20 Mexican soup recipes will provide you with a diverse selection of options to suit any craving or occasion. You’ll find traditional favorites as well as modern twists that highlight the versatility and richness of Mexican culinary traditions.
1) Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a beloved Mexican dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. You start by roasting tomatoes, garlic, and onion. Blend these with ancho chili to create a rich base.
In a pot, combine this mixture with chicken stock and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for about 25 minutes. Fry tortilla strips while the soup cooks.
Add chopped onions, garlic, and jalapenos for extra flavor. Once they’re soft, add chicken breasts and let everything simmer. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot. Add lime juice before serving.
For a slow cooker version, simply combine the ingredients, except the tortilla strips, and cook on low for several hours. Top with fried tortilla strips and cilantro. Enjoy this delicious and authentic Mexican soup!
2) Pozole Rojo
Pozole Rojo is a traditional Mexican soup made with pork and hominy. It stands out due to its rich red color, which comes from red chilies.
To begin, you will need to prepare the chilies. Remove their seeds and stems, then soak them in hot water until soft. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Next, brown the pork in a large pot with a bit of oil. Make sure it’s nicely seared on all sides. Once browned, set the pork aside.
In the same pot, cook onions until they are lightly browned. Add garlic and cumin, giving it a minute to cook. Then, add the chili puree to the pot and simmer for around 25 minutes.
After this, return the pork to the pot. Pour in the broth, add hominy, and season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for 2 to 3 hours, until the pork is tender.
Shred the pork with a fork, mix it back into the soup, and serve with toppings like shredded cabbage, cilantro, lime wedges, radishes, onions, and avocado. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful soup!
3) Albondigas Soup
Albondigas Soup is a traditional Mexican meatball soup. It’s hearty and rich, making it perfect for a cozy meal.
Start with making the meatballs. Mix ground beef, finely chopped onions, garlic, cilantro, and spices like cumin and oregano. Add rice and beaten eggs to help bind the mixture together. Form into small meatballs, about the size of a tablespoon.
Next, prepare the soup base. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onions and garlic until tender. Add beef or chicken broth, tomato sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Add vegetables like diced carrots, potatoes, and green beans to the pot. Let them cook until they’re tender. Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering soup and cook until they are done, around 20 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can garnish with fresh cilantro for extra flavor. This soup is best served warm and pairs well with tortillas or a slice of crusty bread.
4) Sopa de Lima
Sopa de Lima is a refreshing Mexican lime soup that is perfect for any time of year.
You start by cooking chopped onion and garlic in a pot until they become soft. Then, you add tomatoes and let them soften as well.
Next, you pour in chicken broth and add shredded chicken to the mix. Flavor the soup with salt, oregano, and ground cumin.
To give it its distinct flavor, you squeeze in fresh lime juice. Some recipes also suggest adding a small amount of habanero or cayenne pepper for a slight kick.
Serve the soup hot and garnish it with chopped cilantro. This adds a burst of fresh flavor. For added texture, you can top it with thinly sliced tortilla strips that have been fried until crispy.
Sopa de Lima is a great way to enjoy simple yet vibrant Mexican flavors.
5) Caldo de Res
Caldo de Res, or Mexican Beef Soup, is a hearty dish that brings together tender beef and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. This traditional soup is perfect for a family meal and is often enjoyed with lime and warm tortillas.
To prepare Caldo de Res, start with beef shanks, which add rich flavor to the soup. Brown the meat and bones in a large pot with oil, salt, and pepper. This step helps develop deep flavors.
Once the meat is browned, add water, garlic, onions, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface. This keeps the broth clear and free of impurities.
Simmer the soup for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender. During the last 30 minutes, add your choice of vegetables. Common additions include carrots, potatoes, and corn on the cob. These ingredients make the soup nutritious and colorful.
When the vegetables are tender and the meat is falling off the bone, your Caldo de Res is ready to serve. Enjoy this comforting soup with a squeeze of lime and some fresh cilantro for added flavor.
6) Caldo Tlalpeño
Caldo Tlalpeño is a traditional Mexican soup known for its rich and smoky flavor. This soup features shredded chicken, chickpeas, tomatoes, and chipotle peppers. It is often garnished with fresh herbs like epazote and oregano.
Start by cooking the chicken. Place chicken thighs in a pot with onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Add enough water to cover everything and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 25 minutes.
In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add diced carrots and cook for a few minutes. Blend tomatoes and garlic with a cup of chicken broth, then add this mixture to the pan with the carrots. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Add the shredded chicken and chickpeas to the pot. Pour in more chicken broth and add chipotle peppers. Let the soup simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve Caldo Tlalpeño hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. This hearty soup is perfect for a comforting meal.
7) Caldo de Pollo
Caldo de Pollo, or Mexican Chicken Soup, is a comforting and nutritious dish. It uses simple ingredients and creates a rich, flavorful broth that’s perfect for cool evenings.
Start by placing chicken, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and water in a large pot. Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the vegetables. Typical ingredients include carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and chayote. Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot, shred it, and set it aside.
Add the vegetables to the pot, along with a chicken bouillon cube for extra flavor. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in chopped cilantro just before serving to add a fresh touch. Caldo de Pollo is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lime and a side of warm tortillas. It provides a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
8) Menudo
Menudo is a hearty Mexican soup made primarily with tripe, or cow stomach. It’s often considered a traditional dish and is famous for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. Many enjoy menudo for special occasions or as a remedy for hangovers.
Preparing menudo requires patience. Start by thoroughly cleaning the tripe to remove any impurities. Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Boil the tripe with onions, garlic, and salt for about 25 minutes, then drain and rinse it well.
In a large pot, combine the cleaned tripe with fresh water, garlic, onion, and spices such as oregano and cumin. Some recipes also include a beef knuckle or cow’s foot for added richness. Cook the soup slowly over low heat until the tripe is tender.
A key component of menudo is its red chile sauce. Soak dried peppers in water until they soften, then blend them with garlic and some broth to create a smooth sauce. Strain the sauce to remove any solids and add it to the soup.
Serve menudo hot, garnished with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. Pair it with warm tortillas for a complete meal. This soup is not only flavorful but also rich in nutrients, making it a cherished dish in Mexican cuisine.
9) Sopa de Fideo
Sopa de Fideo is a warm and comforting Mexican noodle soup. This dish features fideo pasta, a type of thin vermicelli noodles.
You start by toasting the noodles in a bit of oil until they are golden brown. This step adds a rich, nutty flavor to the soup.
Next, blend tomatoes, onions, and garlic to create a smooth puree. Pour this mixture into the pot with the toasted noodles and let it cook for a couple of minutes.
After that, add chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Cook the noodles just until tender.
Before serving, you can adjust the seasoning with a bit of salt. Some like to add fresh cilantro on top for an extra touch of flavor.
Sopa de Fideo is simple to make and perfect for a cozy meal. It’s a beloved dish in many Mexican households, known for its taste and simplicity.
10) Birria Soup
Birria Soup is a rich, flavorful Mexican dish made with tender beef. The meat is typically marinated in a blend of dried chiles, spices, and herbs.
To start, you’ll need to sear cubes of beef like chuck roast or short ribs. Searing the meat helps develop a deep, savory flavor.
Next, prepare a sauce using dried chiles. Cut the chiles open, remove the seeds, and fry them for a few minutes. Then, let them soak in hot water until they soften.
Blend the soaked chiles with garlic, onions, and spices like cumin and oregano. Pour this blended sauce over the seared beef. You can cook this mixture in a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours or in the oven at 350ºF for about 4 hours.
Once the meat is tender, shred it and return it to the broth. Serve the Birria Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime. Some like to add a side of corn tortillas for dipping. This soup is perfect for a comforting meal that is full of authentic Mexican flavors.
11) Sopa de Elote
Sopa de Elote, or Mexican Corn Soup, is a hearty and flavorful dish. It’s made with sweet corn kernels and often includes ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, and roasted peppers.
You’ll start by blending tomatoes, garlic, and some broth until smooth. This mixture is added to a pot with sautéed onions and corn.
Seasonings like cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano bring a depth of flavor to the soup. Some recipes also include a bit of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
After adding the vegetable stock, let it simmer to let the flavors meld together. You can puree part of the soup for a creamy texture or leave it chunky.
Serve it warm, topped with crema, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. This soup is a comforting option, perfect for any time of the year, blending savory and sweet notes seamlessly.
12) Lentil Soup
Mexican Lentil Soup, or Sopa de Lentejas, is a comforting and nutritious dish. It’s filled with healthy vegetables and tasty spices, making it a favorite in many households.
To start, you will need lentils, which are the star ingredient. Rinse and sort them to remove any debris.
In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil.
Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté these vegetables until they start to soften, about 5-10 minutes.
Next, add minced garlic and, if you like a bit of heat, chopped jalapeño. Cook for another minute or two.
Pour in vegetable or chicken broth along with diced tomatoes. Add the rinsed lentils to the pot.
For seasoning, use salt, black pepper, oregano, chili powder, cumin, and coriander. These spices give the soup a rich and flavorful profile.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with a squeeze of lime and some fresh cilantro on top for extra flavor.
13) Caldo de Camarón
Caldo de Camarón, also known as Mexican shrimp soup, is a warm and comforting dish. It’s packed with flavors from fresh shrimp, vegetables, and spices.
To make this soup, start by heating oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant.
Then, add diced carrots and potatoes. Cook these vegetables for a few minutes until they start to soften. This step builds a solid base for the soup.
Next, pour in a flavorful tomato sauce. You can make this by blending cooked tomatoes with spices like black pepper and Mexican oregano. Let the mixture simmer for about ten minutes.
After the tomato base is ready, add in the shrimp. You can also use shrimp heads and shells to enhance the flavor. Pour in water or broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
Add seasonings like bay leaves and dried chilies for a deeper flavor. Simmer for another 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve your Caldo de Camarón hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. This soup is delicious on its own or with warm tortillas. Enjoy the rich, spicy flavors that define this Mexican classic.
14) Black Bean Soup
Black bean soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that features black beans as the main ingredient. You begin by sauteing chopped onions, garlic, and peppers in a pot with a bit of olive oil.
Then, you add diced tomatoes and let everything cook together for a few minutes. This helps the flavors blend well.
Next, you stir in your cooked black beans and some water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
If you like creamy soups, you can blend some of the soup until smooth and mix it back in. This gives the soup a richer texture.
For seasoning, use cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. These spices boost the natural flavors of the beans and vegetables.
Serve your black bean soup hot with toppings like croutons, goat cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for added zest.
Black bean soup is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weekday meal.
15) Pinto Bean Soup
Pinto Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. You start by heating oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté them until they are soft and translucent.
Next, incorporate roasted tomatoes, minced garlic, diced carrots, and potatoes. Season the mix with spices like cumin and oregano. Stir everything well to blend the flavors.
Pour in vegetable broth or chicken broth, depending on your preference. Add pinto beans and bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes.
During this simmering time, the beans will absorb the spices, making them tender and tasty. If you like your soup a bit thicker, blend a portion of it. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to achieve the desired texture.
Garnish your Pinto Bean Soup with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of cheese. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty finish. For an extra kick, toss in some chopped green chiles or a chipotle pepper.
16) Chiles en Nogada Soup
Chiles en Nogada Soup is a creative spin on the classic Mexican dish Chiles en Nogada. This soup captures the essence of the traditional dish but transforms it into a warm, comforting bowl.
You’ll need poblano chiles, ground meat (typically pork or turkey), and walnuts for the nogada sauce.
First, roast the poblano chiles, peel off their skins, and chop them into small pieces. In a pot, cook ground meat with onions and garlic until browned.
Add fruits like apples, pears, and peaches, and cook for a few more minutes.
In another pot, boil the walnuts briefly, then peel off their skins. Blend the walnuts with milk, queso fresco, and sour cream to make a smooth sauce.
Combine the meat mixture and the walnut sauce in a pot. Simmer everything together and let the flavors meld.
Serve your Chiles en Nogada Soup topped with pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.
This soup offers a unique taste with a mix of savory, sweet, and creamy flavors. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beloved Chiles en Nogada in a new and savory form.
17) Sopa de Mariscos
Sopa de Mariscos, also known as Seafood Soup, is a flavorful Mexican dish. This soup typically includes a mix of fresh seafood like fish, shrimp, and sometimes other shellfish.
To prepare Sopa de Mariscos, start by sautéing onions until they become translucent. Add garlic and cook it briefly until fragrant.
Next, include vegetables such as carrots, corn, and celery. These add a nice texture to the soup. Cook the vegetables until they are slightly softened.
Pour in chicken stock or water, whichever you prefer. Add tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and your choice of chilies for heat.
Bring the mixture to a boil, and then let it simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Add the seafood last, as it cooks quickly. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and let it simmer for a few more minutes until the seafood is cooked through.
Finally, serve hot with fresh corn tortillas and salsa. You can also add lemon juice for an extra zing. This soup is sure to warm you up and fill you with comforting flavors.
18) Tomatillo Chicken Soup
You’ll find that Tomatillo Chicken Soup is a delicious and hearty choice for any meal. This Mexican soup combines tender chicken with the tangy flavor of tomatillos. To start, you’ll need to heat some oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
First, cook your onions until they’re soft and translucent. Then, add garlic and cook for a minute until it’s fragrant. Next, add tomatillos, green chiles, and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture come to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and cook until the vegetables are tender. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
To make the soup heartier, you can add beans such as garbanzo or black beans. For extra flavor, sprinkle in some taco seasoning. Let it cook on low heat until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
This soup is great for chilly nights or when you want a comforting, nourishing meal. Serve it with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and maybe some tortilla chips for added crunch. Enjoy your Tomatillo Chicken Soup!
19) Caldo de Queso
Caldo de Queso is a comforting Mexican soup that combines cheese and potatoes. This dish originates from Sonora, a state in the northern part of Mexico. The main ingredients include potatoes, cheese, roasted chili peppers, and milk.
To start, heat some oil in a large pot and sauté chopped onions until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly. Next, add diced tomatoes and cook until they soften.
Add cubed potatoes to the pot along with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
When the potatoes are ready, pour in warm milk and roasted chili peppers. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
Reduce the heat and add cubes of queso fresco or any mild, soft cheese. Once the cheese is added, let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
Caldo de Queso is best enjoyed hot. It’s a simple yet flavorful soup that’s perfect for any meal.
20) Poblano Soup
Poblano soup is a delicious and comforting Mexican dish. It’s known for its rich and creamy texture, with a hint of heat from the poblano peppers.
To start, you roast the poblano peppers to bring out their smoky flavor. Then, peel and chop them. Sauté onions and garlic in butter until they are soft and fragrant.
Next, add flour to the mixture as a thickening agent. Slowly stir in chicken broth, followed by the roasted poblano peppers. Let everything simmer for a while.
For a creamy texture, blend the soup until smooth. Adding cheese can enhance the creaminess. You can use an immersion blender for convenience.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with crispy tortilla strips or a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flavor.
Poblano soup is perfect for any time you crave something warm and satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy the unique taste of poblanos in a comforting bowl of soup.
Essential Ingredients for Mexican Soups
Mexican soups are rich and flavorful, thanks to a combination of spices, broths, and a variety of hearty ingredients. Preparing these delicious soups involves a few key components that give them their distinctive taste.
Spices and Herbs
Spices are the cornerstone of Mexican soups. Chili powder and cumin add warmth and depth. Oregano, specifically Mexican oregano, enhances the earthiness. Cilantro is often used fresh to garnish and finish soups, providing a burst of freshness.
Don’t overlook the heat. Chilies like jalapeños, serranos, and sometimes chipotles in adobo bring the fire. Garlic and onions are fundamental, laying the aromatic foundation. Bay leaves can also be used to add a subtle layer of flavor.
Broths and Bases
The base of the soup is crucial for depth of flavor. A homemade chicken or beef broth is preferred for its richness. Vegetable broths are used for lighter soups. Sometimes, the broth is enhanced with ingredients like tomato paste or fire-roasted tomatoes.
Tomato bases are common, especially in soups like sopa de fideo. A mixture of blended tomatoes and spices can form a robust starting point. Hominy or pozole can also be used, giving the soup a hearty texture and unique taste.
Vegetables and Proteins
Mexican soups often feature a variety of vegetables. Tomatoes, corn, and zucchini are staples. Carrots and potatoes add bulk and sweetness. For greens, spinach and cabbage can be included, depending on the recipe.
Proteins vary widely. Chicken and beef are most common, often cooked until tender. Pork, particularly in pozole, is also popular. Seafood, such as shrimp or fish, is used in coastal recipes. Legumes like black beans or pinto beans are essential for vegetarian options.
Cooking Techniques for Authentic Mexican Soups
Mastering authentic Mexican soups requires understanding a few key cooking techniques. These techniques include sautéing and roasting, simmering and stewing, and blending and making smoothies.
Sautéing and Roasting
Sautéing and roasting are essential for building flavors in Mexican soups. Sautéing often involves cooking onions, garlic, and chili peppers in oil until they are soft and aromatic. This step enhances the base flavors of your soup.
Roasting ingredients like tomatoes, tomatillos, and peppers add depth and smokiness. You can roast them in an oven or directly over an open flame. Roasted vegetables are typically blended into the soup base, giving it a rich, complex taste.
Tips:
- Use a cast iron skillet for an even roast.
- Peel and seed peppers after roasting to reduce bitterness.
- Combine both techniques for richer flavors.
Simmering and Stewing
Simmering and stewing form the backbone of many Mexican soups. These methods allow ingredients to cook slowly, marrying their flavors together. For example, Caldo de Res (beef soup) benefits from several hours of simmering, making the beef tender and the broth rich.
Keep the heat low during simmering to prevent the soup from boiling, which can toughen meat and vegetables. Stewing, on the other hand, involves cooking ingredients in their own juices, sometimes with a small amount of broth or water. This technique is great for hearty soups like Pozole, where hominy and pork are cooked until tender.
Tips:
- Skim the fat and impurities during simmering for a clearer broth.
- Add fresh herbs and spices towards the end for a burst of flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to maintain even heat.
Blending and Smoothie Making
Blending is crucial for achieving the smooth textures common in Mexican soups. Soups like Creamy Poblano or Sopa de Frijol (bean soup) require blending cooked ingredients until they are silky smooth. You can use an immersion blender for convenience or a stand blender for a finer texture.
Smoothie making in this context refers to blending ingredients to create a uniform base for your soup. For example, blending roasted tomatoes and peppers creates a vibrant base for Sopa de Fideo.
Tips:
- Blend in batches if you’re using a stand blender to prevent overflow.
- Strain your soup after blending for an extra smooth texture.
- Be cautious with hot liquids when blending to avoid burns.
Understanding these techniques ensures your Mexican soups are rich, flavorful, and authentically prepared.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
When enjoying Mexican soups, consider adding various toppings and garnishes, pairing with flavorful side dishes, and exploring traditional accompaniments to enhance the experience.
Toppings and Garnishes
Toppings and garnishes add extra flavor and texture to Mexican soups. Chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and diced onions are popular choices.
For added creaminess, you can use sour cream or avocado slices. Queso fresco or shredded cheese gives a rich, savory taste. Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips add a delightful crunch.
A sprinkle of radishes, jalapeño slices, or pickled onions introduces a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like oregano or epazote can also enhance the soup’s aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
Side dishes complement Mexican soups beautifully. Warm corn tortillas or freshly baked bread are simple and satisfying. Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice adds a hearty element to your meal.
Refried beans or black beans provide a protein boost. You might also enjoy a simple salad with tomato, cucumber, and avocado to keep it light and refreshing.
For a crunchy contrast, consider adding tostadas, nachos or chips and salsa. These side dishes enhance the meal, making it more fulfilling and diverse.
Traditional Pairings
Traditional pairings can make your Mexican soup experience more authentic. Pozole is often served with a side of cabbage, radishes, and lime wedges. Menudo pairs well with warm tortillas and a squeeze of lime juice.
Sopa de fideo is frequently enjoyed with Mexican crema and cotija cheese. Chicken tortilla soup is best with avocado slices, cilantro, and shredded cheese.
Combining these traditional elements with your soups provides a richer, more authentic dining experience. Each pairing is designed to complement the unique flavors of the soup, bringing out its best qualities.
