Imagine a soup so fresh, so bursting with flavor, that it transports you straight to the heart of Mexico with just one spoonful. Sopa de Cilantro is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that will transform your understanding of what a soup can be. Packed with aromatic herbs, creamy texture, and a zesty kick, this Mexican-inspired dish is about to become your new obsession in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the bunch of fresh cilantro under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Shake off excess water and roughly chop the cilantro, setting aside a small handful for garnish later.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the chopped cilantro to the pot and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. This will help to infuse the broth with the fresh cilantro flavor.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you do not have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, blending until smooth, and then returning it to the pot.
- Stir in the cream and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes, but do not let it boil after adding the cream.
- Once the soup is heated, remove it from the heat. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with the reserved cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cilantro: The key to an exceptional Sopa de Cilantro is using the freshest cilantro possible. Look for bright green leaves with no wilting or yellowing.
- Blending Technique: When blending the soup, work in batches if using a countertop blender to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. An immersion blender works best for minimal cleanup.
- Cream Control: Add cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent separation and maintain a silky texture.
- Lime Hack: Serve with fresh lime wedges and encourage guests to squeeze lime juice just before eating to brighten the soup's flavors.
- Garnish Generously: The reserved fresh cilantro for garnishing isn't optional - it's essential for that burst of fresh herb flavor and beautiful presentation.
- Temperature Matters: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the soup at its most flavorful and aromatic state.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 228kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg
