Mexican Soup Recipes - The Foodie Diary

Mexican cuisine is a rich tapestry of vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a deep cultural heritage. Among its many culinary delights, Mexican soups stand out for their comforting warmth, bold spices, and heartiness. Whether you are looking for a light, broth-based soup or a thick, stew-like dish, Mexican soups offer something for every palate.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most famous and traditional Mexican soup recipes, highlighting their ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural significance. From Pozole to Menudo, from Sopa de Tortilla to Caldo de Res, these recipes capture the essence of Mexico’s love for rich, flavorful dishes.

1. Pozole – A Hearty Hominy and Pork Soup

What is Pozole?

Pozole is one of Mexico’s most beloved soups. It is a hominy-based stew traditionally made with pork but sometimes prepared with chicken. The dish dates back to pre-Columbian times when it was an important part of Aztec rituals.

Ingredients:

2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
1 large can (25 oz) hominy, drained
1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken or pork broth
2 dried guajillo chiles

2 dried ancho chiles
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes: shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, lime wedges, chopped cilantro

Preparation:

In a large pot, heat oil and brown the pork pieces.

Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
Toast the dried chiles, then blend them with a little broth and strain into the pot.

Add the hominy, oregano, and cumin. Let it simmer for about 2 hours until the pork is tender.
Serve hot with traditional garnishes.

2. Menudo – The Ultimate Mexican Hangover Cure

What is Menudo?

Menudo is a tripe-based soup, famous for being a traditional Mexican hangover cure. It is a slow-cooked dish with a deep, rich broth flavored with red chiles and spices.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef tripe, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
6 cups beef broth
1 can (25 oz) hominy, drained

1 onion, chopped
4 dried guajillo chiles
2 dried ancho chiles

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin

1 tsp salt
Garnishes: lime wedges, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, oregano

Preparation:

Clean and boil the tripe in salted water for about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse.

In a large pot, add tripe, onion, garlic, and broth. Bring to a boil.
Toast and blend the dried chiles with some broth, then strain into the pot.
Add hominy and seasonings. Let it simmer for 3-4 hours.

Serve hot with lime, cilantro, and chopped onions.

3. Sopa de Tortilla – A Classic Mexican Comfort Food

What is Sopa de Tortilla?

Sopa de Tortilla, also known as tortilla soup, is a simple yet flavorful dish made with a tomato-based broth, crispy tortilla strips, and a touch of smoky heat from dried chiles.

Ingredients:

6 corn tortillas, cut into strips

4 cups chicken broth
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 dried pasilla chile, chopped
1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado, diced

½ cup crumbled queso fresco
1 lime, cut into wedges

Preparation:

Fry the tortilla strips until crispy and set aside.

In a pot, sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes until soft.
Add broth, pasilla chile, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Blend the soup until smooth.

Serve hot with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

4. Caldo de Res – Mexican Beef Soup

What is Caldo de Res?

Caldo de Res, or Mexican beef soup, is a hearty and nourishing dish filled with tender beef, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s a staple comfort food in Mexican households.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef shank, bone-in

6 cups beef broth
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped

1 ear of corn, cut into pieces
1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes: lime wedges, chopped cilantro

Preparation:

In a large pot, brown the beef shank.
Add onions, garlic, and broth, then simmer for 1 hour.

Add the potatoes, carrots, and corn. Cook for another 30 minutes.
Stir in the zucchini and cook for 10 more minutes.
Serve hot with cilantro and lime.

5. Albondigas Soup – A Flavorful Mexican Meatball Soup

What is Albondigas Soup?

Albondigas soup is a comforting dish featuring meatballs made with rice and herbs, simmered in a tomato-based broth with vegetables.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
½ cup cooked rice

1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
6 cups chicken broth

2 tomatoes, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped

1 onion, chopped

Preparation:

Mix ground beef, rice, egg, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
In a pot, sauté onions and tomatoes, then add broth.

Bring to a simmer and add the meatballs. Cook for 15 minutes.
Add carrots and zucchini, simmer for 10 more minutes.
Serve hot with fresh cilantro.

Mexican soups are a delicious reflection of the country’s rich culinary traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy Menudo, a comforting Caldo de Res, or a hearty Pozole, there’s a soup for every occasion. These dishes not only warm the soul but also tell the story of Mexico’s deep cultural heritage.

If you’re looking to explore Mexican cuisine, start with one of these traditional soup recipes. They’re simple to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Exploring More Traditional Mexican Soups

Mexican cuisine is full of diverse and flavorful soups, each with a unique history and taste. Beyond the classics like Pozole, Menudo, and Caldo de Res, there are many other delicious and lesser-known soups that showcase Mexico’s rich culinary traditions. Let’s continue our journey and discover more mouthwatering Mexican soups.

6. Caldo de Pollo – Mexican Chicken Soup

What is Caldo de Pollo?

Caldo de Pollo is a simple, comforting chicken soup made with vegetables, herbs, and rice or noodles. It’s a common homemade remedy for colds and flu in Mexican households.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
8 cups chicken broth

1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced

2 potatoes, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 ear of corn, cut into small pieces

1 cup rice or vermicelli noodles
1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes: lime wedges, chopped cilantro, diced avocado

Preparation:

In a large pot, add chicken, broth, onions, garlic, and oregano. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add potatoes, carrots, and corn. Cook for another 15 minutes.

Stir in zucchini and rice or noodles, cooking until tender.
Serve hot with fresh lime, cilantro, and avocado.

7. Caldo Tlalpeño – A Spicy and Smoky Chicken Soup

What is Caldo Tlalpeño?

This is a delicious and mildly spicy chicken soup with chipotle chiles, chickpeas, and vegetables, known for its smoky flavor.

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
6 cups chicken broth
1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped

1 cup cooked chickpeas
1 canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce (chopped)
1 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado, diced
Garnishes: lime wedges, fresh cilantro

Preparation:

In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Add broth, chipotle chile, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in carrots, zucchini, and chickpeas. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Add shredded chicken and cook for another 5 minutes.
Serve hot with avocado, lime, and cilantro.

8. Sopa de Fideo – A Quick and Easy Mexican Noodle Soup

What is Sopa de Fideo?

Sopa de Fideo is a light and flavorful Mexican noodle soup made with thin noodles (fideo), tomatoes, and broth. It’s a staple comfort food in many Mexican homes.

Ingredients:

1 cup fideo noodles (or thin spaghetti, broken into pieces)
4 cups chicken broth
2 tomatoes, chopped

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Garnishes: lime wedges, fresh cilantro

Preparation:

In a pot, heat oil and toast the fideo noodles until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes until soft. Blend the mixture into a smooth sauce.
Return the mixture to the pot, add broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Stir in toasted noodles and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
Serve hot with lime and cilantro.

9. Birria – A Flavor-Packed Spicy Meat Stew

What is Birria?

Birria is a traditional Mexican stew, often made with goat or beef, and infused with a blend of dried chiles and aromatic spices. It is commonly enjoyed as a soup or used in tacos (Birria tacos).

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef chuck or goat meat, cut into chunks
6 cups beef broth
2 dried guajillo chiles

2 dried ancho chiles
1 dried pasilla chile
1 onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano

1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes: chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedges

Preparation:

Toast the dried chiles, then soak in hot water for 10 minutes. Blend with garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and a little broth. Strain the mixture.
In a large pot, brown the meat.
Add onions, broth, and blended chile sauce. Simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
Serve hot with onions, cilantro, and lime.

10. Chilpachole de Jaiba – Spicy Crab Soup

What is Chilpachole de Jaiba?

This is a seafood soup with a rich tomato and chile-based broth, traditionally made with crab. It is a specialty of the coastal regions of Mexico.

Ingredients:

2 lbs crab meat or whole crabs
6 cups seafood broth
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 dried guajillo chiles
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes: lime wedges, fresh cilantro

Preparation:

Toast and soak the dried guajillo chiles, then blend with garlic and tomatoes.
In a pot, sauté onions and add the blended mixture. Cook until thickened.
Pour in the seafood broth, season with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add crab meat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Serve hot with lime and cilantro.

Conclusion: The Endless Variety of Mexican Soups

Mexican soups are an essential part of the country’s rich culinary heritage. They range from light and simple broths like Sopa de Fideo to hearty and robust stews like Birria and Menudo. These dishes are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a hangover cure, or a traditional dish to share with family and friends.

The beauty of Mexican soups lies in their bold flavors, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients. Many of these soups also have deep cultural and historical roots, dating back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. They continue to be passed down through generations, evolving with new influences while staying true to tradition.

So next time you’re in the mood for a warm and comforting meal, try one of these authentic Mexican soup recipes. You’ll experience a delicious taste of Mexico in every spoonful.