10 of the Best Mexican Soup Recipes

Looking to add some spice to your culinary repertoire? Look no further than the vibrant world of Mexican soup recipes! Bursting with flavors that will transport your taste buds south of the border, these hearty soups are a celebration of Mexico's rich culinary heritage. From the zesty and tangy flavors of pozole to the comforting warmth of tortilla soup, each recipe tells a story of tradition and local ingredients.

Imagine savoring a bowl of sopa de lima, a citrus-infused broth filled with tender chicken and garnished with crispy tortilla strips. Or diving into a steaming bowl of caldo tlalpeño, featuring a medley of ingredients like chipotle peppers, veggies, and tender chicken. Each spoonful is an explosion of textures and aromas that will transport you to the bustling streets of Mexico.

So grab your apron and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey through Mexico's vibrant soup traditions. Get ready to savor a bowl full of warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of deliciousness!

What soups are popular in Mexico?

When it comes to popular soups in Mexico, the options are both diverse and delicious. Here are 10 recipes that showcase the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine:

Pozole

This Mexican Pozole recipe is a tasty soup made with hominy and either pork or chicken. It has a delicious red chili sauce and is topped with cabbage and sliced radishes. People also call it Pozole Rojo.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Embark on a culinary adventure with this Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe! Bursting with rich flavors, tender chicken, and a medley of spices, it's a comforting delight for your taste buds. Warm up your kitchen and indulge in a bowl of this soul-satisfying Mexican soup.

Sopa de Lima

Sopa de lima is a simple and tasty Mexican lime soup from the Yucatán region. It's a bit like chicken soup, but with a unique flavor – fresh with a hint of depth. Plus, it comes with a delicious crunchy tortilla topping. It's really delicious and easy to make!

Caldo Tlalpeño

Caldo Tlalpeño is a tasty and healthy soup made with chicken, carrots, chickpeas, and green beans. It's often topped with avocado and cheese and served with a side of Chipotle pepper. This soup is a favorite at various restaurants in Mexico, from small local spots to larger chain eateries.

Sopa de Fideo

Fideo soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings back Mexican childhood memories. It has a tasty tomato base and golden brown noodles. Moms love it because it's super easy to make, and kids enjoy it because, let's face it, who doesn't love noodles?

Caldo de Res

Caldo de Res is a Mexican beef soup that features a tasty beef broth and is loaded with various veggies like squash, corn, carrots, cabbage, and potatoes. The soup gets its delicious flavor and tenderness from using bone-in beef shank, which adds a rich taste from the marrow and tender beef.

Albondigas

Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup) is a tasty Mexican soup with meatballs, veggies, and spices! It's simple, flavorful, and bound to become a favorite. Whether you pair it with warm flour tortillas or tacos, get ready to adore this straightforward Albondigas soup recipe. It's a decades-old recipe, and the deliciousness speaks for itself!

Charro Bean Soup

Charro beans is a Mexican-style soup with pinto beans in a broth bursting with fantastic flavors. The delicious taste comes from various meats like beef franks, chorizo, ham, and bacon.

Mexican Street Corn Soup

This quick Mexican Street Corn Soup takes just 25 minutes to make and is inspired by the tasty Elote flavors, with a Midwestern twist! Packed with deliciousness, it's made using simple ingredients like sweet corn (canned, frozen, or fresh all work!), some spices, heavy cream, and a splash of lime juice.

Caldo de Mariscos

Caldo de mariscos, also called sopa de mariscos or “seafood soup” in English, is a fantastic and tasty dish that your taste buds will adore! If you enjoy seafood and Mexican flavors, you should definitely give this soup a try!

What does chicken tortilla soup contain?

Chicken tortilla soup typically contains a combination of ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. The specific ingredients can vary slightly from recipe to recipe, but here are some common elements found in chicken tortilla soup:

1. Chicken: Usually shredded or diced chicken is used as the main protein component.
2. Broth: Chicken broth or stock forms the base of the soup.
3. Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes are often used for flavor and to add a rich tomato base.
4. Onion: Chopped onion is commonly included for added flavor and texture.
5. Garlic: Minced garlic provides a savory note and enhances the overall taste.
6. Jalapeno or other chili peppers: Diced jalapenos or other chili peppers bring a spicy kick to the soup.
7. Spices: Common spices used include cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
8. Corn: Sweet corn kernels are sometimes added to provide a subtle sweetness and texture.
9. Tortilla strips: Crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips are used as a topping or garnish.
10. Optional toppings: Additional garnishes can include avocado slices, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream.

Is pozole the same as tortilla soup?

Pozole and tortilla soup are not the same. They are two distinct dishes in Mexican cuisine with different ingredients and flavors.

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup that is typically made with hominy corn (dried maize kernels treated with an alkali solution), meat (usually pork, but sometimes chicken or beef), and seasoned with various spices and herbs. It is known for its rich and hearty flavor, often enhanced by the addition of chilies, garlic, onions, and other ingredients. Pozole can be served in red, green, or white variations, depending on the type of chili used.

On the other hand, tortilla soup is a tomato-based soup that typically features crispy tortilla strips as a garnish. The base of the soup is made with tomatoes, broth (often chicken) and flavored with onions, garlic, and various spices. Chicken is a common protein in tortilla soup, but it can also be made without meat for a vegetarian version. Other ingredients may include corn, black beans, avocado, lime, and cheese, depending on the recipe.

What goes with chicken tortilla soup?

Chicken tortilla soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments that complement its flavors. Here are some popular options to serve alongside chicken tortilla soup:

Avocado

Creamy avocado slices add a rich and buttery texture to complement the flavors of the soup, providing a cooling contrast to the spiciness.

Lime Wedges

Squeezing fresh lime juice over the soup enhances the flavors and adds a tangy brightness, balancing the richness of the broth and adding a refreshing element.

Tortilla Strips

Crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips are a classic topping for chicken tortilla soup, adding a satisfying crunch and texture that complements the soup's flavors.

Cilantro

Fresh cilantro leaves sprinkled on top of the soup contribute a vibrant and herbaceous note, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.

Mexican Crema or Sour Cream

A dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream adds a creamy and tangy element that mellows out the spiciness and richness of the soup.

Shredded Cheese

Melty shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack or cheddar, can be sprinkled over the soup, providing a comforting and savory component that adds richness and depth of flavor.

Sliced Jalapenos

For those who enjoy extra heat, sliced jalapenos can be added to the soup or served on the side, providing a fiery kick that complements the flavors of the dish.

Black Beans

Adding a handful of cooked black beans to the soup adds an extra layer of heartiness and protein, making it even more satisfying.

Mexican Street Corn

Grilled or roasted corn on the cob, slathered with mayo, cheese, and chili powder, adds a delightful burst of sweetness, smokiness, and complexity to enjoy alongside the soup.

Mexican Rice

A side of fluffy Mexican rice complements the soup by providing a starchy element that can be mixed into each spoonful, adding texture and a mild, comforting flavor.