Zesty Lime Chicken Soup (Sopa de Lima)
Experience the vibrant flavors of Yucatan with this Zesty Lime Chicken Soup, known as Sopa de Lima. This traditional dish combines the tangy acidity of fresh lime juice with tender chicken, rich chicken broth, and crispy tortilla strips. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress guests, this soup is both refreshing and satisfying. Serve it garnished with slices of lime and creamy avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Limes
2 (Juiced)
Limes
2 (Cut into slices for garnish)
Tortillas (corn)
8 (Cut into large pieces)
Chicken breast
1 (Diced)
Chicken broth
4 (Cups, authentic)
Dried chicken broth
1 (Teaspoon (chicken soup base))
Tomatoes (jitomates)
4 (Ground or very finely chopped with juice)
Onion
1 (Diced)
Green chiles serranos
to taste (Optional, chopped)
Avocado
1 (For garnish)
Vegetable oil
As needed (For frying tortillas)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the corn tortillas into large pieces. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the tortilla pieces until golden and crispy. Remove them from the oil and let them drain on absorbent paper towels.
2
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the finely chopped tomatoes and their juice to the pot, stirring well. Cook the mixture on low heat for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Incorporate the diced chicken breast into the pot. Sprinkle the dried chicken broth base, season with salt and pepper, and pour in the fresh lime juice. Optionally, add chopped green serrano chiles for extra heat.
5
Allow the soup to simmer on medium-low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 15-20 minutes.
6
Just before serving, stir in the crispy tortilla strips. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with lime slices and avocado. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sopa de Lima?
Sopa de Lima, or Zesty Lime Chicken Soup, is a traditional dish from the Yucatan region of Mexico featuring a tangy chicken broth, lime juice, and crispy tortillas.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include chicken breast, fresh lime juice, corn tortillas, chicken broth, tomatoes, onion, and avocado for garnish.
How many limes do I need for this recipe?
You will need a total of 4 limes: 2 for juicing into the soup and 2 cut into slices for garnishing.
What is the best way to prepare the tortillas?
The tortillas should be cut into large pieces and fried in vegetable oil until they are golden and crispy, then drained on paper towels.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The diced onions should be sautéed in vegetable oil for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, you can add chopped green serrano chiles to the soup to provide extra heat according to your preference.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 4 jitomates (red tomatoes) that are either ground or very finely chopped with their juice.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer on medium-low heat for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
When should I add the crispy tortilla strips?
Stir in the crispy tortilla strips just before serving to ensure they retain some of their crunch.
Is Sopa de Lima a healthy option?
Yes, it is a refreshing and satisfying soup made with lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and citrus juice.
What is the purpose of the dried chicken broth base?
One teaspoon of dried chicken broth base is used to enhance the richness and depth of the soup's flavor.
Can I substitute chicken breast with other parts of the chicken?
While the recipe specifies diced chicken breast, you could use other tender cuts of chicken if preferred.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of authentic chicken broth.
What garnishes are recommended?
It is best served garnished with fresh lime slices and creamy avocado slices.
Where does this dish originate from?
This dish is a vibrant staple of Yucatecan cuisine in Mexico.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Tomatoes should be finely chopped or ground, making sure to include all of their natural juices.
Can I use store-bought tortilla chips?
While traditional Sopa de Lima uses freshly fried corn tortillas, you can use store-bought chips in a pinch, though the flavor and texture may vary.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is fully opaque throughout and tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes of simmering.
Is the avocado cooked in the soup?
No, the avocado is added fresh as a garnish just before serving.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying the tortillas and sautéing the vegetables.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
The recipe suggests grinding or finely chopping them, so peeling is not strictly necessary.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While specific serving counts aren't listed, the use of 4 cups of broth and a whole chicken breast typically serves 2 to 4 people.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
To maintain the authentic flavor profile of Sopa de Lima, fresh lime juice is essential and cannot be easily substituted with lemon.
What should I do if the soup is too salty?
You can add a bit more water or unsalted broth to balance the flavors, as the dried broth base and added salt can vary.
Can this soup be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the broth and chicken ahead of time, but add the lime juice and fried tortillas just before serving for the best quality.
Are corn or flour tortillas better for this recipe?
Corn tortillas are traditional and provide the specific texture and flavor necessary for this dish.
Is this soup gluten-free?
If using 100% corn tortillas and a gluten-free chicken broth base, this recipe can be considered gluten-free.
How small should the chicken be diced?
Dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures it cooks quickly and is easy to eat with a spoon.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
While not traditional, some people add bell peppers or garlic, but the classic recipe focuses on lime, tomato, and onion.
What temperature should the soup be served at?
The soup should be served hot to maximize the flavor of the broth and the contrast with the cold avocado garnish.