Sopita, a traditional Mexican comfort food, is a type of noodle soup that’s often enjoyed for its rich, comforting flavors. The broth is usually made from a tomato base and flavored with spices, and the noodles are often served with vegetables and sometimes meat. Here’s an authentic recipe for Mexican Sopita:
Authentic Mexican Sopita Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, oracette, or star-shaped pasta)
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh avocado slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes:
- Add the chopped tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes) to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes are softened and have reduced slightly.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
5. Add Vegetables:
- Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
6. Cook the Pasta:
- Add the small pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
7. Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
8. Garnish:
- Serve the sopita with lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Add fresh avocado slices if desired.
Tips:
- Broth: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth if possible.
- Noodles: If you don’t have small pasta, you can use broken-up pieces of larger pasta like fideos or spaghetti.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as corn or bell peppers to suit your taste.
- Meat Option: For a heartier version, you can add cooked shredded chicken or beef to the soup.
This Authentic Mexican Sopita is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy the warm, soothing flavors and the satisfying combination of pasta and vegetables!
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