## Sopa Azteca – A Taste of Mexico
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary expedition to the heart of Mexico! Here, we present Sopa Azteca – a traditional Mexican dish that comforts your senses with its warmth and delightfully rich flavours. Perfect for a cosy family dinner or when cosy nights call for a hearty, flavourful meal.
### Why Make This Recipe
Sopa Azteca is not just a dish, it’s an experience. Beyond being utterly delicious, it blends the rich culture of Aztec cuisine with the simplicity of ingredients that are most likely already in your pantry. This soup gives a perfect kick of spice, balanced by the creaminess of the avocado and the crunch of fried tortilla strips. It’s also an elegant dish to present, making a stunning impression whether, served as a weeknight meal or at a dinner party.
### How to Make Sopa Azteca
Turn your kitchen into a Mexican diner as you dive into creating a beautiful pot of Sopa Azteca.
#### Ingredients:
– 6 Corn Tortillas, cut into strips
– Vegetable Oil, for frying
– 1 Medium Onion, chopped
– 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
– 1 Large Tomato, chopped
– 1 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo sauce
– 4 Cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
– 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
– Salt and Pepper, to taste
– 1 Avocado, sliced
– 1/2 Cup Crumbled Queso Fresco or Feta Cheese
– Fresh Cilantro, chopped
– Lime Wedges, for serving
#### Directions:
1. Fry your tortilla strips in heated oil over medium heat until they are crispy. Drain them on paper towels and set them aside.
2. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in a tablespoon of oil until they become translucent. Add chopped tomato and let it cook until soft.
3. Transfer this sautéed mixture into a blender, add your chipotle pepper and blend until the mix is perfectly smooth.
4. Pour this mixture back into the pot. Add your chicken or vegetable broth and cumin. Bring the soup to a boil and leave to simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls over your fried tortilla strips, garnishing each bowl with avocado slices, crumbled cheese, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
### How To Serve Sopa Azteca
Serve Sopa Azteca hot right off the stove. It makes for a perfect main dish or a starter, depending on your preference. Traditionally, it pairs well with a salad or Mexican rice.
### How To Store Sopa Azteca
Store leftover Sopa Azteca in an air-tight container in your refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.
### Tips for Making Sopa Azteca
– To cater to different palates, always serve spice and toppings like the chipotle pepper, additional lime wedges, chopped cilantro, or cheese on the side.
– Be careful not to lessen the soup’s simmering time. The flavors are released and combine better under steady heat.
### Variation
For a vegetarian spin on Sopa Azteca, exclude the chicken broth and replace it with vegetable broth.
### FAQ
1. **Can I add meat to the soup?**
Yes, you can add shredded chicken or turkey in the soup.
2. **Can I use store-bought tortilla chips?**
Frying your tortilla strips enhances their flavor and gives them a soft texture, but store-bought tortilla chips can work, especially if you’re short of time.
3. **Can I use any cheese in this recipe?**
Queso Fresco is traditional for this recipe, but if you can’t find it, a good substitute is Feta cheese.
Delight in the warmth of this soul-soothing Sopa Azteca and let every spoonful transport you to the cultural richness of Mexico!