February 4 is national homemade soup day, making it a perfect occasion to draw attention to the numerous Latin American 'sopas' that are taking centerstage in the U.S., reflecting unique regional ingredients and cooking techniques. From Mexican pozole to Colombian ajiaco and Peruvian chupe, each of these amazing dishes adds Latin American diversity to the celebration.
Oxford Languages defines soup as "a liquid dish, typically savory and made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables in stock or water." Latinos have to disagree with that.
One of the most popular dishes in South America is Paraguayan 'sopa' or 'sopa paraguaya,' a unique type of soup that is actually solid. Resembling some kind of bread, it's one of the many gems of Latin American cuisine and certainly not the kind of soup activists chose to protest, such as the one thrown against the Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre.
As we anticipate National Homemade Soup Day, here are the five popular Latino sopas to mark this day in the U.S.
National Homemade Soup Day: 5 Most Popular Latin American 'Sopas' to Celebrate
1. Mexican Sopa: Pozole
Pozole, a beloved Mexican soup, is perfect for celebrating Soup Day. This traditional dish features hominy in a flavorful broth made with meat, usually pork or chicken, and seasoned with a blend of spices. Topped with radishes, shredded lettuce, avocado, and a squeeze of lime, pozole offers one of the most rich flavors of Mexican cuisine.
2. Colombian Sopa: Ajiaco
Ajiaco, a Colombian delicacy, showcases a unique combination of up to three types of potatoes, chicken, corn on the cob and a variety of herbs, resulting in a thick and nourishing dish. It is typically seasoned with guascas, an aromatic herb, and can be served with various toppings, such as capers and avocado. This 'sopa' illustrates the diverse and delicious Colombian cuisine.
3. Peruvian Sopa: Chupe
Chupe is a seafood-based soup that features a tantalizing blend of shrimp, potatoes, corn, and eggs in a creamy and savory broth, seasoned with 'aji amarillo,' a Peruvian yellow chili pepper. The aromatic herbs and spices give Chupe its distinctive taste, making it a symbol of Peru's culinary richness and a delightful option for 'sopa' fans.
4. Paraguayan Sopa: 'Sopa Paraguaya'
As mentioned, 'Sopa Paraguaya' defies the conventional liquid form of soups. Instead, it presents itself as a solid delicacy resembling savory bread. Made with ingredients like cornmeal, cheese, and onions, 'Sopa Paraguaya' can be enjoyed in every meal, as a snack, or as a main course.
5. Salvadorian Sopa: 'Sopa de Gallina India'
'Sopa de Gallina India' is a flavorful Salvadorian soup including free-range chicken cooked to perfection complemented by vegetables such as yucca, plantains, and corn. The aromatic blend of spices adds depth to the broth, making 'Sopa de Gallina India' a hearty choice to celebrate National Homemade Soup Day.
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