Sopa seca, meaning "dry soup" in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish that is widely popular in the northern part of the country, particularly in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. This unique dish is a delectable combination of flavors and textures, featuring crispy fried corn tortillas or tostadas, juicy beef or chicken, and a flavorful tomato-based broth. Served with a variety of toppings, including shredded cheese, crumbled cotija cheese, and sliced avocado, sopa seca is a delightful and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. This article presents two distinct recipes for sopa seca: a classic beef version and a flavorful chicken variation. Both recipes provide step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and ingredient lists to guide you in recreating this beloved Mexican dish in your own kitchen. Discover the joy of sopa seca and embark on a culinary journey to savor its delightful flavors and textures.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
SOPA SECA DE FIDEOS
Steps:
- For dried chiles, toast them on an ungreased griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat, turning regularly and pressing flat with a spatula, until very aromatic, about 30 seconds. In a small bowl, cover the chiles with hot water and re-hydrate 30 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even soaking. Drain and discard the water. (Canned chiles need only be removed from their sauce.)
- Roast the unpeeled garlic on the griddle or skillet, turning occasionally, until soft, about 15 minutes; cool and peel. Roast 1 1/2 pounds of the tomatoes on a baking sheet 4 inches below a very hot broiler until blackened on 1 side, about 6 minutes, then flip and roast the other side. Cool, then peel, collecting all the juices with the tomatoes.
- In a food processor or blender, process the roasted tomatoes, rehydrated or canned chiles, and garlic to a medium-fine puree. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in medium-size (4-quart) pot (such as a Dutch oven or Mexican cazuela) over medium-high. Add the puree and stir for about 5 minutes as it sears and thickens. Set aside.
- If using chorizo, cook in a little oil over medium heat, breaking up large lumps as you go, until thoroughly cooked, about 10 minutes. Scoop it out with a slotted spoon, draining as much oil as possible back into the skillet.
- Pour 6 tablespoons of the remaining oil into the skillet and return to the heat. When quite hot (drop a stray noodle in ? it should sizzle but not brown immediately), lay in about 1/3 of the noodle nests to fry until noticeably browned, about 1 minute, then flip and brown the other side. Remove with a slotted spoon, draining as much oil as possible back into the skillet, and drain on paper towels. Continue until all have been browned.
- Add the broth, oregano, and pepper to the tomato sauce. Core the remaining 1 pound of tomatoes and chop into 1/4-inch bits. Add and simmer briskly until the sauce thickens to the consistency of a juicy tomato sauce, about 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt.
- Add the noodles. In about 2 minutes pull the "nests" apart (they'll have softened enough to do it at this point), then add the zucchini and the chorizo (if you're using it). Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but still firm, about 2 minutes.
- If using the cream, add it now, raise the heat to medium-high and boil quickly until the sauce returns to its previous consistency. Taste again and readjust the salt, if necessary.
- Stir in half of the grated cheese, scoop into a warm serving dish, sprinkle on the remaining cheese and the cilantro garnish, and it's ready to serve.
SOPA SECA DE ARROZ- MEXICAN RICE
My BF said this was the best rice he had ever eaten. I adapted this recipe from a Sunset Mexican Cookbook. This recipe can easily be cut in half.
Provided by cookiedog
Categories White Rice
Time 1h
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a wide frying pan over medium-high heat, brown rice lightly in butter or margarine.
- Add onion, garlic, tomato, and chiles, if used and cook for 2 or 3 minutes; add 3 cups of the broth.
- Cover and simmer 25 to 35 minutes or bake, covered, in a 350F oven 50 to 60 minutes.
- Add more broth, if needed, to cook rice. However, there should be no liquid remaining when rice is tender to bite.
- Add cilantro, if desired, during last 10 minutes.
- Garnish rice with olives.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 416.5, Fat 14.4, SaturatedFat 8.1, Cholesterol 30.5, Sodium 1319.5, Carbohydrate 56.7, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 4.4, Protein 13.6
SOPA SECA DE TORTILLA CON CREMA (MEXICAN DRY SOUP)
I visited my best friend (Magga) over the Easter holiday & borrowed a few cookbooks from her. I was immediately drawn to *Taste of Mexico* by Elisabeth L. Ortiz, found this recipe among her collection of "70 fiery & flavourful recipes from south of the border" & learned some new lessons on authentic Mexican cuisine. Her intro to the *Soups* section says "Soups are a must for the midday main meal (comida). There are 2 types: aguada (liquid) & seca (dry). The 1st term is self-explanatory, but what is a dry soup? It describes a separate course (traditionally a tortilla or rice dish) served after the more conventional soup & before the main course." I never knew that & this "dry soup" sounds so good to me. (Times were estimated & 15 min allowed for ingredient prep + assembly) *Enjoy* !
Provided by twissis
Categories Cheese
Time 50m
Yield 6 , 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a non-stick fry pan. Saute onion + garlic till soft & stir in chopped tomato.
- Cook tomato till thick, then stir in oregano & sugar. Season to taste & set aside in a bowl.
- Wipe the pan clean w/paper towels, heat the remaining oil in the pan & fry the tortillas without allowing them to brown. Drain fried tortilla strips on paper towels.
- Pour a layer of the tomato sauce into a greased flameproof casserole. Add a layer of tortilla strips, a thin layer of cream, another layer of sauce & a layer of grated cheese. Continue till all ingredients have been used, ending w/a layer of cheese.
- Cover casserole & heat through gently on the stovetop ~ or heat through for about 20 min in an oven preheated to 180C (350F).
- *Cooks Tip* ~ Be sure to use corn tortillas for this recipe. If only lrg ones are available, use 8.
- *Personal Note* ~ Altho not a part of the recipe or its authentic intent, I can easily see this dish 1) Converted to a main-course w/the addition of seasoned grd meat or chorizo to the sauce *or* 2) Combined w/a salad to form a meatless main-dish.
SOPA SECA
Pasta. That's not Mexican, right? Think again. You see it in homes throughout Mexico, one of the many foreign foods that we have welcomed into our cuisine and something I ate growing up. We call this Mexican comfort food, funnily enough, sopa seca, which means "dry soup."
Provided by Aarón Sánchez
Yield 2 servings as a side or snack
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or medium pot over medium-high heat until it ripples. Add the pasta and cook, stirring constantly, until the pasta is golden, about 3 minutes.
- Scoop out and discard 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the Roasted Tomato-Chile Arbol Salsa and cook for 2 minutes, stirring the whole time. Pour in the chicken stock and let the liquid come to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook, stirring once in a while, until the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Divide the pasta between two bowls and garnish with the cilantro and cheese.
SOPA SECA DE TORTILLA
A rich and creamy Mexican side dish - full of peppers, onions, cheese and corn tortillas. It will surprise you. The name means "Dry Tortilla Soup" Some people would call it a casserole. I call it divine. A nice addition to a Mexican dinner, this also goes well with other foods. Not spicy at all, so it can go with many things. Though it is meant to be a side dish, you could serve it along with a large salad for a luncheon or light dinner. (Or, not so light, maybe) This is so rich and creamy, you'll want to make it for company. If you must have spicy foods, you can add some jalepenos to it if you like. But do try it this way first.
Provided by ThatBobbieGirl
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cut tortillas in strips about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.
- In medium skillet heat 1/4 inch of oil.
- Fry tortilla strips, a few at a time, about 10 seconds or just until limp.
- Remove with slotted spoon.
- Drain on paper toweling.
- Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons oil from skillet.
- Add green pepper strips, onion and garlic; cook till onion is tender.
- Sprinkle vegetables with salt.
- In 1-1/2 quart casserole, combine tortilla strips, vegetables, and half of the cheese.
- Pour whipping cream over all.
- Cover and bake in 350-degree oven for 20 minutes.
- Uncover.
- Stir gently; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered about 10 minutes more or until heated through.
SOPA SECA DE CALAMARES (SQUID AND TORTILLA CASSEROLE)
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories dinner, casseroles, project, main course
Time 3h45m
Yield 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, combine the ancho chili, tomatillos, tomatoes, epazote leaves and stock. Season with salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer 30 minutes. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Oil a 10-by-14-inch glass casserole and place the tortilla strips loosely in it. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the tortilla strips, separating any that stick together. Brush the bottom of the hot casserole again with oil and arrange a layer of tortilla strips lengthwise across the bottom.
- Cover the strips with about 2 cups of the squid, dot with some of the crema and pour 2 cups of the tomato mixture over the top. Continue making layers, ending with a layer of tortilla strips, crema and the tomato mixture. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the corn-bread crumbs and dot with the butter. Bake for 1 hour. Allow to set 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 419, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 38 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 28 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 973 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use day-old bread for a better texture.
- Cut the bread into small cubes for even cooking.
- Toast the bread cubes in a pan or in the oven to add flavor.
- Use a variety of vegetables for a more flavorful soup.
- Simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season the soup to taste with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices.
- Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Conclusion:
Sopa seca is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican soup that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, sopa seca is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy soup recipe, give sopa seca a try!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love