Mexican starter

Sopa de Lima Yucateca

A fragrant Yucatán soup of chicken, tomato, sweet lime, oregano and crisp tortilla strips.

Jump to recipe More Mexican food
50 minsPrep time
1 hrCook time
Serves 4Servings
MediumDifficulty
Sopa de Lima Yucateca
About this dish

Sopa de Lima Yucateca: the story on the plate

A fragrant Yucatán soup of chicken, tomato, sweet lime, oregano and crisp tortilla strips.

Historical background

This Yucatán soup draws on local citrus, turkey or chicken broths and the peninsula’s Mayan and Spanish culinary layers.

Why it is famous

Famous for its clean citrus perfume and the contrast between delicate broth and crisp tortilla strips.

Cultural significance

This dish shows how Mexican cuisine layers maize, chilli, regional produce and social eating into food with memory and identity.

Nutrition

Estimated nutrition per serving

Useful for meal planning and calorie-aware recipe browsing.

285Calories
24gProtein
22gCarbs
12gFat

Estimated nutrition per serving; actual values vary by ingredient brands, portion size and cooking fat retained.

Ingredients

What you need

  • 15 fresh coriander, to finish, chopped
  • 600 chicken thighs, bone-in if possible
  • 1200 chicken stock
  • 120 white onion, quartered
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 250 tomato, diced
  • 120 sweet pepper, sliced
  • 60 lime juice
  • 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 45 neutral oil
Method

Step-by-step method

Follow the recipe in order, tasting and adjusting seasoning where needed.

  1. 1. Cut meat and vegetables into even pieces. Start bones or chicken in cold stock or water for a cleaner broth.
  2. 2. Toast chillies briefly or sauté aromatics until fragrant, then blend smoothly.
  3. 3. Simmer at about 90–95°C / 194–203°F until meat is tender and flavours join.
  4. 4. Add lime, herbs, hominy or garnishes at the end so they stay bright.
  5. 5. Serve hot with shredded cabbage, radish, onion, coriander, tortillas or tostadas as traditional for the dish.
Cook smarter

Tips, storage and serving advice

Shopping tips

For the most authentic result, buy Mexican chillies, corn tortillas, masa, crema, cheese or herbs from a Latin American grocer where possible.

Ingredient quality

Use ripe produce, fresh tortillas where relevant, and dried chillies that are pliable and fragrant rather than brittle or dusty.

Common mistakes

Do not rush chilli sauces, over-season before reducing, or bury the dish under too many toppings.

Chef’s tips

Balance the final plate with salt, lime and fresh garnish; Mexican food often comes alive in the final seasoning.

How to know it is cooked

The main ingredient should be tender, the sauce rounded and the raw chilli or onion edge softened.

Plating advice

Serve on warm plates with a neat central portion and fresh garnish placed last for colour.

Make ahead

Sauces, fillings and braises can usually be made ahead; keep fresh garnishes separate until serving.

Storage and reheating

Cool quickly and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water, stock or sauce to avoid drying out.

Wine pairing

What to drink with Sopa de Lima Yucateca

Pairings are chosen around the dish’s flavour, texture, richness, acidity and cooking style — not just the country it comes from.

Albariño / Vinho Verde wine pairing
#1 Great match White

Albariño / Vinho Verde

Why it works: Chosen to balance Mexican chilli, lime, corn, herbs, richness and/or sweetness without overpowering the dish.

Fresh coastal white wine with citrus, peach, sea-spray minerality and bright acidity. Excellent with seafood, salt cod, octopus and light fried fish.

GrapeAlbariño, Alvarinho, Loureiro, Arinto
RegionRías Baixas, Minho, Vinho Verde
Wine flavourlime, peach, saline, green apple, blossom
Serve at7-9°C
  • Flavour bridge: Acidity and fruit refresh the palate while matching the dish’s main flavour profile.
  • Acidity: Bright acidity helps with lime, chilli, dairy or rich sauces.
  • Body: Body is matched to the weight of the dish.
  • Tannin: Moderate tannin avoids clashing with chilli.
  • Sweetness: Dry to lightly sweet balance depending on heat and richness.
  • Best for: Use as a helpful wine-style suggestion rather than a strict rule.

These are wine-style pairings, so you can choose any bottle in that style rather than needing one exact producer. Look for the grape, region or style name on the label.

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