Creamy Ecuadorian Locro with Cheese and Avocado
Locro, a traditional Ecuadorian potato-cheese soup, is a warm, hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings. This creamy blend of potatoes, flavorful garlic, and rich cheese creates a comforting bowl that nourishes the body and soul. Often garnished with fresh avocado and sometimes enhanced with the sweetness of corn kernels, this soup brings the essence of Ecuadorian home cooking to your table. Enjoy this delightful recipe, which is tested and loved by families across South America.
4-6
Servings
133
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil or butter
1/4 cup (Use for sautéing)
onion
1/2 (minced)
garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
potatoes
1 1/2-2 lbs (peeled and diced)
water or stock
4 cups (for soup base)
milk
1 cup (for creaminess)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
muenster cheese or queso fresco or mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
corn kernels (optional)
1 cup (add after 20-30 minutes of simmering)
avocado
to taste (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Introduce the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Pour in the water or stock, then add the milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and falling apart.
4
Using the back of a spoon, gently mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup while still keeping some chunks for texture.
5
Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6
If you’re adding corn, fold in about a cup of corn kernels after the soup has been simmering for 20-30 minutes.
7
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped avocado for added creaminess and flavor.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
13g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Locro?
Locro is a traditional Ecuadorian potato-cheese soup that is warm and hearty, perfect for chilly evenings.
What are the primary ingredients in this Ecuadorian Locro?
The main ingredients include potatoes, cheese, avocado, onion, garlic, milk, and either water or stock.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people.
Is this Locro recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetarian.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 133 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this soup?
The soup provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of cheese should I use for Locro?
You can use shredded Muenster cheese, Queso Fresco, or Mozzarella cheese.
How much cheese is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheese.
What type of potatoes are used?
The recipe requires 1.5 to 2 pounds of potatoes, which should be peeled and diced.
Can I use butter or oil for sautéing?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of either oil or butter.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe uses 3-4 minced garlic cloves.
What is the base liquid for the soup?
The base is made from 4 cups of water or stock combined with 1 cup of milk.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
How do I thicken the soup naturally?
You can thicken the soup by using the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the potatoes in the pot.
When should I add the corn if I want to include it?
If using corn, fold in 1 cup of kernels after the soup has been simmering for 20-30 minutes.
How is the avocado used in this recipe?
Chopped avocado is used as a garnish to add creaminess and flavor upon serving.
What are the aromatic bases for this soup?
The flavor base consists of minced onion and garlic sautéed until soft and translucent.
When is the cheese added to the soup?
The cheese is stirred in after the pot has been removed from the heat so it can melt and incorporate.
Is this recipe suitable for South American cuisine lovers?
Yes, it is a staple of Ecuadorian home cooking and tested by families across South America.
What are the recommended seasonings?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste.
How much onion do I need?
The recipe requires 1/2 of an onion, minced.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients listed in this recipe.
What tags define this dish?
Tags include locro, ecuadorian soup, potato dish, cheese soup, comfort food, and South American cuisine.
Does the recipe include sugar or sodium details?
No, the specific sugar and sodium counts are not provided in the nutritional data.
Is the avocado required?
While listed as an ingredient, it is used to taste as a garnish for added creaminess.
What is the texture of Locro?
It is a creamy blend of potatoes that includes both mashed portions for thickness and chunks for texture.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The fiber content is not specified in the provided data.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are ready when they are tender and starting to fall apart after simmering.