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Clean recipe · gimmesomeoven.com

Sopa de Lima

Sopa de lima is a traditional Yucatecan chicken soup made with tomatoes, warm spices, and lots of fresh citrus, finished with crispy tortilla strips.

Original recipe: gimmesomeoven.com

Yield:
4 servings
Prep:
10 min
Cook:
25 min
Total:
30 min
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Sopa de Lima

Ingredients

  1. 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado oil or olive oil)
  2. 1 medium white onion (finely diced)
  3. 1 banana pepper (seeded and diced)
  4. 2 (15-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes (drained)
  5. 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  6. 1 teaspoon ground cumin (lightly toasted)
  7. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  8. 3 whole cloves
  9. 2 bay leaves
  10. 8 cups good-quality chicken stock
  11. 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover works great)
  12. fine sea salt (to taste)
  13. 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
  14. 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  15. toppings: fried corn tortilla strips (lime wedges, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced avocado)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics. Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add the banana pepper and cook another 2 minutes. Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces slightly and smells rich and sweet.
  2. Build the broth. Stir in the toasted cumin, oregano, whole cloves, bay leaf, and a generous pinch of salt. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  3. Add the chicken. Stir in the shredded chicken and simmer for 5 more minutes, just to warm through. Remove and discard the bay leaf and cloves.
  4. Finish with citrus. Remove from heat and stir in the lime and orange juice. Taste and season with additional salt as needed — the broth should taste bright and balanced.
  5. Serve. Place a handful of fried tortilla strips in each bowl. Ladle the soup over top, then garnish with lime slices, cilantro, and diced avocado if desired. Serve immediately.