Mexican Soups

FAQS

How do I Thicken Soup?

• Mash ingredients already in the soup, such as beans or potatoes.
• Cornstarch slurry. In a separate bowl, add 1 tablespoon of cold water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix until smooth, then pour it into the soup. Stir and simmer. 
• Flour roux. Scoop out ½ cup of the hot soup and place it into a bowl. Add 2-3 tablespoons of flour, and stir until smooth. Pour it into the soup, and simmer. 
• Creamy texture. A creamy soup can be made even creamier by adding more cream, cheese, pureed vegetables, a scoop of nut butter, or cream cheese.

Can I Add Spice?

• Add in cayenne pepper, black pepper, chili powder/flakes, or hot sauce. 
• Since the level of spice is a personal preference, you can make a mild soup and provide the seasonings for people to add to their bowls.

How to Temper the Level of Spice?

• If the soup turns out a bit too spicy for your liking you can add dairy such as milk, sour cream, or yogurt. Sweeten it with honey or brown sugar. Add starch like rice or potatoes.
• Corn tortillas or flour tortillas are served with almost every meal and can help tame the signature spiciness of Mexican dishes.

How to Use Fresh Herbs When Making Soup?

• Fresh herbs can add a bright layer of flavor to the soup. 1 teaspoon of dried herbs is equal to 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs. If using a slow cooker, fresh herbs should be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Lime juice is another way to brighten your pot of soup.

What Are Some Good Toppings for Mexican Soups?

• Try tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, green onions, sour cream, lime wedge, or sliced avocado.

What Protein is Good to Add to Soup?

• The protein in soup can be eliminated, added, or replaced. Common soup proteins include shredded or ground beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and beans (pinto beans, black beans, etc). 

How to Store Leftover Mexican Soup?

• Each post will have specific instructions on how to store the soup, but in general, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container(s) for about 3 days. Reheat the soup in the microwave or stovetop.