Azteca Soup: A Taste of Ancient Mexico
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
Transport yourself to the heart of ancient Central America with this Azteca Soup, a delightful blend of flavors reminiscent of the era when garlic and onions made their way from Spain. To enhance the authenticity, consider swapping olive oil for lard, a nod to traditional cooking methods. Intriguingly, the presence of celery might be a culinary mystery, but for a true Mexican touch, substitute basil with the rich aroma of Mexican oregano. For a modern twist, skip the beef and opt for a vegetable stock, turning this into a vibrant festival of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or lard for authenticity)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup fresh basil or Mexican oregano
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
- Nacho chips for serving
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 165.9
- Fat: 10.4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 549.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.8g
- Fiber: 5.2g
- Sugar: 6.1g
- Protein: 4.8g
Aggregated Rating: 4 stars
Review Count: 1
Recipe Category: Low Protein
Keywords: Low Cholesterol, < 60 Mins
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil (or lard for an authentic touch) over medium heat. Saute garlic, onions, jalapeno pepper, and celery for about 5 minutes until they become aromatic and slightly golden.
- Add diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin to the saucepan. Cook down over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring often to create a flavorful base.
- Introduce corn, basil (or Mexican oregano), reserved tomato juice, and vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a tantalizing 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- As the soup nears perfection, remove it from heat and gently stir in the lime juice and avocado slices, adding a zesty and creamy dimension.
- Prepare each serving by breaking several nacho chips into individual bowls. Ladle the piping hot soup over the chips, creating a textural contrast that elevates the experience.
- Crown each bowl with a generous spoonful of sour cream, imparting a velvety richness to every spoonful.
- For a final flourish, toss a few basil shreds on top and playfully garnish with a nacho chip, creating an edible masterpiece.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the symphony of flavors while they’re at their peak.
This Azteca Soup, with its historical echoes and modern flair, is a culinary journey you won’t want to miss. Perfect for a complete lunch for six or a substantial first course, it’s a savory ode to the ancient culinary traditions of Central America.