Sopa de Lima (Sopa de lima)
Overview
Sopa de lima is a fragrant chicken soup from Yucatán in south-east Mexico. Its unusual flavour comes from the lima, a local citrus with a floral, slightly bitter aroma, sliced into the broth at the end. The soup is built on chicken broth with tomato, onion, peppers, garlic and spices such as oregano and allspice, with shredded chicken. It is served with fried tortilla strips and chilli on the side. Regular limes can be used, though the taste is sharper.
Pictures
History
Yucatán has a distinctive regional cuisine shaped by Maya traditions, Spanish influence and trade with the Caribbean. Sopa de lima reflects this mix, combining local citrus and spices with chicken broth. It is a well-known dish in Mérida and across the peninsula, and visitors often seek it out as a taste of the region. It is also cooked at home for family meals and special occasions.
Main ingredients
Chicken, local lime (lima), tomato, habanero or chilli, fried tortilla strips, oregano. The soup is built on chicken broth and is usually served hot. Diet: contains meat; not usually gluten-free.
Recipe outline serves 4 · ~60 min
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken pieces
- 1 onion, 2 tomatoes, 1 green pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, oregano, allspice
- 2 limas or 3 limes
- fried tortilla strips
- habanero or chilli
Allergens: None of the 14 major allergens in the base recipe. Based on the typical recipe. Recipes and products vary; always check labels if you have an allergy.
Method
- Simmer the chicken with garlic and spices in 2 l water for 30 minutes; shred the meat.
- Fry onion, pepper and tomato and add to the strained broth.
- Return the chicken and add slices and juice of lima; simmer 5 minutes.
- Serve with tortilla strips and chilli.
Sources
Description, history and recipe written by SoupWiki and checked against the sources above. Calories and times are rough estimates.