Authentic Sopa de Tortilla Azteca: A Timeless Mexican Tortilla Soup Recipe
There are certain dishes that evoke a deep sense of nostalgia, flavors that transport you straight back to childhood. For me, flautas de pollo, huevos con tortilla, and sopes de frijoles hold a special place in my heart, but none quite compare to the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of Sopa de Tortilla Azteca. This classic Mexican tortilla soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary journey, a vibrant blend of tradition, flavor, and heartwarming simplicity that my mom lovingly prepared for us countless times.
This Sopa de Tortilla recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create an extraordinary taste. Imagine a velvety, rich tomato broth, subtly spiced, acting as the perfect canvas for an array of vibrant toppings. Each spoonful offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors: the satisfying crunch of golden-fried tortilla strips, the creamy coolness of fresh avocado, the tangy hint of shredded Mexican cheese, and a zesty kick from your favorite hot sauce. My mom would sometimes add a chipotle pepper for an extra layer of smoky heat, a touch that truly elevates the experience. Whether you’re seeking a light lunch, a comforting starter for dinner, or a dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters, this Aztec tortilla soup delivers on every front. It’s a timeless classic, incredibly easy to prepare, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
What is Sopa de Tortilla? Understanding This Mexican Classic
Sopa de Tortilla, often affectionately known as Sopa Azteca, is a quintessential Mexican soup with a rich history rooted in the country’s culinary traditions. At its core, it’s a comforting, savory broth-based soup, characterized by its signature fried tortilla strips. While the fundamental elements remain consistent, regional and family variations abound, each adding a unique twist to this beloved dish. Essentially, the soup features a robust tomato-based broth, frequently infused with the subtle heat and smoky notes of various chiles. This flavorful broth is then generously adorned with an array of fresh and savory toppings, transforming a simple soup into a vibrant, satisfying meal.
The name “Azteca” alludes to the pre-Hispanic origins of corn tortillas, a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. While the modern version of Sopa de Tortilla likely evolved over time, its reliance on corn as a primary ingredient connects it directly to the ancient culinary heritage of Mexico. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of Mexican cooking, transforming humble ingredients into a dish that is both deeply comforting and intensely flavorful. This recipe focuses on creating a silky, well-balanced tomato broth that can be customized to your preferred level of spice, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Why This Sopa de Tortilla Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
This particular Sopa de Tortilla recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile and boasts several compelling reasons why it should be a staple in your kitchen:
- Truly Kid-Friendly: One of the biggest challenges for many home cooks is finding meals that the whole family will enjoy. This sopa de tortilla shines in its ability to be made without chiles, offering a mild, tomato-rich broth that even my self-proclaimed “tomato-hating” daughter adores! The crispy tortilla strips are always a huge hit with kids, making it an excellent way to introduce them to authentic Mexican flavors.
- Perfect Meatless Meal: Whether you’re vegetarian, participating in Meatless Monday, or observing Lent, this soup is a fantastic meatless option. It’s hearty enough to be a main course, yet light enough to complement other dishes, providing wholesome nutrition without relying on meat.
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: Don’t let the authentic flavors fool you; this recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The most “labor-intensive” part is frying the tortilla strips, which is a simple process that adds a wonderful texture to the soup. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can whip up this impressive dish.
- Packed with Wholesome Ingredients: Made with fresh Roma tomatoes, aromatic spices, and healthy fats from avocado oil, this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious. The inclusion of whole-grain corn tortilla strips adds fiber and a satisfying crunch, contributing to a well-balanced meal.
- Highly Customizable to Your Taste: This recipe offers fantastic flexibility. Craving a smoky, spicy kick? Add a chipotle pepper or two in adobo sauce to the broth. Prefer a milder heat? Skip the chipotles and let your family add their favorite Mexican hot sauce at the table for a personalized touch. You can also experiment with various toppings to make it truly your own.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing common pantry staples and fresh, affordable produce, this sopa de tortilla is a cost-effective meal solution that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality.
For another delightful and comforting soup, explore our Creamy Poblano Soup with a Dairy-Free Option.
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Sopa de Tortilla
Crafting the perfect Sopa de Tortilla begins with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and potential substitutions:
- Corn Tortillas: The backbone of this soup! Use your preferred brand of fresh corn tortillas. They’re essential for creating those irresistible crispy strips. While flour tortillas can be used in a pinch, corn tortillas offer the authentic flavor and texture.
- Oil for Frying: A neutral or mild-flavored oil with a high smoke point is crucial for perfectly crisping the tortillas. Avocado oil is an excellent choice, not only for its high smoke point but also for its healthy fat profile. Vegetable oil or canola oil are also suitable alternatives.
- Roma Tomatoes: For a vibrant and naturally sweet broth, opt for ripe Roma tomatoes. They should be firm but yield slightly when gently squeezed, indicating optimal ripeness and flavor. If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, high-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes (drained) can be a good substitute.
- Spices: A simple yet powerful combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper enhances the soup’s depth and savory notes. These pantry staples are key to a well-seasoned broth.
- Tomato Sauce: Low-sodium tomato sauce is recommended to give you complete control over the salt content of your soup, allowing you to season it perfectly to your taste.
- Chipotle Chiles in Adobo Sauce (optional): These peppers are a game-changer if you love a smoky, spicy kick. My mom’s traditional recipe always included one or two, which impart a distinct flavor. For a kid-friendly version or a milder soup, simply omit them.
- Cheese: For topping, a grated white Mexican cheese like Muenster, Chihuahua, or Asadero melts beautifully. Alternatively, a crumbled cheese such as queso fresco or Cotija adds a lovely salty, fresh tang. Choose what you prefer or have on hand.
- Avocado: Creamy diced avocado is a must-have topping. Select avocados that are dark green to almost black and yield slightly to gentle pressure – they should not be overly hard or mushy.
- Hot Sauce: An essential condiment, especially if you skip the chipotle peppers in the broth. Hot sauce beautifully complements the tomato flavor and introduces a customizable level of spice. My personal favorite is Valentina, but feel free to use your preferred brand.
- Water: Used primarily to achieve the desired consistency for the broth and add volume. For an even richer, more profound flavor, you can readily substitute water with chicken or vegetable broth.
See the full recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.
Crafting Your Own Sopa de Tortilla: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this authentic Sopa de Tortilla is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow along to create a delicious and comforting meal.
1. Prepare the Tortilla Strips: Begin by stacking your corn tortillas and cutting them into quarters. Then, take each quarter and slice it into thin strips. Aim for uniform strips so they fry evenly and crisp up perfectly. This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic texture of Sopa de Tortilla.
2. Fry the Tortilla Strips to Perfection: Heat about an inch and a half of your chosen oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully add a handful of the tortilla strips. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy strips. Cook until they are a beautiful golden brown and wonderfully crispy, usually just a minute or two per batch.
3. Drain and Set Aside: As each batch of tortilla strips finishes frying, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl lined with paper towels. This allows any excess oil to drain off, ensuring your strips remain wonderfully crisp. Continue this process until all your tortilla strips are fried and ready for garnishing.
4. Prepare the Tomatoes for the Broth: Place your Roma tomatoes in a pot of water and bring them to a boil. Cook until the tomatoes are visibly soft and their skins begin to crack, which indicates they’re ready for peeling. This step helps create a smooth, rich base for your soup. Once softened, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly.
5. Blend the Broth Ingredients: Once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them carefully. Transfer the peeled tomatoes to a powerful blender. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, low-sodium tomato sauce, water (or broth for richer flavor), and the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce if you’re using them. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and silky, ensuring no large chunks remain.
6. Heat and Serve Your Delicious Soup: In a medium Dutch oven or pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it heat through for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste the soup and adjust the salt to your preference. Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls and generously top with your prepared crispy tortilla strips, a sprinkle of shredded or crumbled Mexican cheese, diced avocado, and a few drops of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. Serve immediately to enjoy the tortilla strips at their crunchiest!
Elevate Your Sopa with Recommended Equipment
Vitamix Blender for Ultimate Smoothness
Achieving that perfectly silky smooth broth for your Sopa de Tortilla is key to its authentic texture. For this, I highly recommend a high-quality blender like the Vitamix. I use mine almost daily for everything from smoothies to soups, and it consistently delivers an unparalleled creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions for Sopa de Tortilla Azteca
Presentation is key to making your Sopa de Tortilla experience truly special. To serve, begin by generously ladling the steaming, aromatic soup into individual bowls. The real magic happens with the toppings, which are best added just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture. I always recommend placing a bowl overflowing with crispy tortilla strips right on the table; this encourages everyone to add as many as they desire, ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite.
Next, invite your guests to sprinkle in a generous amount of shredded Mexican cheese. This will slowly melt into the warm broth, adding a creamy, savory note. Then, add a handful of perfectly diced, ripe avocado, which provides a cool, rich contrast. Finally, a few drops of your favorite hot sauce, like Valentina, will add that essential touch of spice and tang, tying all the flavors together. This interactive serving style makes the meal more engaging and allows everyone to customize their bowl to their liking.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Sopa Azteca
Sopa Azteca is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. It stands beautifully on its own as a satisfying and light lunch, especially on a chilly day. However, it also makes an excellent first course for a more elaborate Mexican dinner, or it can be paired with heartier dishes to create a complete and fulfilling meal. Here are some fantastic accompaniments:
- Mixed Vegetables and Ground Beef Skillet: A flavorful and hearty skillet dish that offers a contrasting texture and rich, savory notes to complement the light soup.
- Pan-Seared Cilantro Lime Chicken: The bright, zesty flavors of cilantro and lime in this chicken dish provide a wonderful fresh counterpoint to the deep tomato notes of the soup.
- Tacos Dorados de Frijoles: Crispy fried bean tacos add another layer of traditional Mexican comfort food, creating a satisfying and authentic meal pairing.
- Picadillo con Papas: A classic ground beef and potato stew that brings a delicious, home-style richness, making for a hearty and fulfilling dinner alongside the soup.
- Grilled Fish or Shrimp: For a lighter meal, grilled fish or shrimp seasoned with citrus and herbs would pair beautifully, offering a fresh, lean protein option.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich soup.
Storing and Reheating Your Sopa de Tortilla
To ensure the best quality and flavor, it’s important to store the soup and its toppings separately. This prevents the crispy tortilla strips from becoming soggy and maintains the freshness of your garnishes.
Storage: Store the prepared tomato broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, the soup can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to let the soup cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
Leftover fried tortilla strips should be stored in a separate airtight container at room temperature on the counter. They will remain crisp for up to 5 days, ready to be added to freshly reheated soup.
Reheating: To reheat the soup, gently pour the desired amount into a small pot and warm over medium heat on the stovetop until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl. Avoid boiling the soup vigorously, as this can alter its delicate flavors. Once piping hot, ladle into bowls and then generously top with your reserved crispy tortilla strips, fresh avocado, shredded cheese, and a dash of hot sauce.
Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Sopa Azteca
Take your Sopa de Tortilla from great to unforgettable with these helpful tips and exciting variations:
- Fry Extra Tortilla Strips: Trust me on this one! If your household is anything like mine, those crispy fried tortilla strips are irresistible. Little hands (and big ones!) tend to sneak many before the soup is even ready to serve. My mom often recounted how my grandmother faced the same delightful “problem” with her own children. Always make a little extra – you’ll thank yourself later!
- Make it Vegan or Dairy-Free: It’s incredibly easy to adapt this recipe for dietary preferences. Simply omit the cheese, or choose a high-quality vegan cheese substitute. The broth itself is naturally dairy-free, making it a fantastic option for a wider audience.
- Spice it Up (or Down!): Adjust the number of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to control the heat. For a mild version, skip them entirely. For a noticeable kick, use one. For those who love heat, two or even three chipotles can be blended into the broth. Remember that you can always add more hot sauce at the table!
- Enhance the Broth: While water works perfectly fine, substituting chicken or vegetable broth for some or all of the water will deepen the overall flavor profile of your soup, adding an extra layer of richness.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or finely chopped green onions can add a burst of freshness and color to your finished soup.
- Add a squeeze of Lime: A fresh squeeze of lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors in the soup, adding a zesty finish that complements the tomato base beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sopa de Tortilla
Absolutely! While fresh Roma tomatoes provide a vibrant flavor, high-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes (drained) are an excellent substitute if fresh ones are not available or in season. They will still contribute a rich tomato base to your Sopa de Tortilla.
An oil with a neutral flavor and a high smoke point is ideal. Avocado oil is a great healthy option, but vegetable oil, canola oil, or even grapeseed oil work very well to achieve perfectly crispy tortilla strips without imparting unwanted flavors.
Yes, you can! Preparing the broth a day or two in advance can actually enhance its flavors as they have more time to meld. Store the cooled broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the broth and fry fresh tortilla strips.
The key is to add the fried tortilla strips to individual bowls of soup just before serving. Never add them to the main pot of soup, and store them separately in an airtight container at room temperature. This ensures they maintain their delightful crispness.
We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this authentic Sopa de Tortilla Azteca recipe! If you give it a try, we would be incredibly grateful if you could leave a comment and a star rating belowto let us know what you think. Your feedback is invaluable! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to stay connected and discover more delicious recipes. For exclusive content and updates, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
More Comforting Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of warm, flavorful soups, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
- Crema de Espárragos (Dairy-Free Cream of Asparagus Soup)
- Chipotle Tomato Soup with Homemade Croutons
- Green Chile Turkey Soup
- Poblano Cream Soup (Dairy-Free Option)
Recipe Card: Sopa de Tortilla Azteca
Sopa de Tortilla Azteca
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Deep frying pan or pot
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Blender
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Small pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 10 corn tortillas
- ½ cup oil for frying (either avocado or vegetable)
- 3 medium Roma tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 8 oz low-sodium tomato sauce
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (optional, see notes)
- 3 cups water (or chicken/vegetable broth)
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded or crumbled cheese (Mexican muenster, Chihuahua, queso fresco, or cotija)
- 1 diced avocado
- hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
Crispy Tortilla Strips
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Carefully take the corn tortillas and cut them into quarters. Then, slice these quarters into thin, even strips.
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Heat about an inch and a half of oil (avocado or vegetable) in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add a handful of the tortilla strips at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they turn a beautiful golden color and are crispy.
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Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried tortilla strips and place them in a bowl lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue this process until all strips are fried. Set aside until serving.
Flavorful Tomato Broth
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Next, boil the Roma tomatoes in water until they are softened and their skins begin to loosen. Once cool enough to handle, peel the tomatoes and transfer them to a blender.
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Add the garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, kosher salt, low-sodium tomato sauce, water (or broth), and the optional chipotle peppers to the blender with the peeled tomatoes. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and silky.
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In a medium Dutch oven or pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Pour the freshly blended soup mixture into the pot.
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Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to deepen. Taste and adjust the salt or other seasonings as needed.
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Serve the hot soup immediately in bowls. Garnish each serving generously with a handful of the crispy tortilla strips, a sprinkle of shredded or crumbled Mexican cheese, diced avocado, and a few drops of your preferred hot sauce.
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Enjoy your Sopa de Tortilla Azteca while the tortilla strips are at their peak crispness!
Notes
- Kid-Friendly Version: To ensure the soup is mild and suitable for children, simply omit the chipotle peppers entirely from the blending step.
- Hot Sauce Customization: Hot sauce is a fantastic topping to add spice and complement the rich tomato flavor, especially if you opt for the non-spicy broth.
- Broth Enhancement: For an even richer flavor profile, consider substituting chicken or vegetable broth for some or all of the water used in the soup base.
- Make Ahead: The soup broth can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving with freshly fried tortilla strips and garnishes.
Nutrition Information
Originally published April 4, 2019. Updated post March 2023 and November 2024.