Honduran Soups

Sopa de Caracol (Conch Soup)

Sopa de caracol is one of the most distinctive meals dishes in the Honduran cuisine. This soup was made popular across Latin America because of a catchy song called “Sopa de Caracol from Banda Blanca .” Large meaty chunks of conch is cooked in coconut milk and the conch’s broth, with spices (garlic, chillis, cilantro and a pinch of fresh ginger and cumin), yuca (cassava), and green bananas. Diced tomatoes, onions and carrots add extra flavors and textures.

Sopa Marinera (Fish and Shellfish Soup)

Another example of a Honduran soup is Sopa Marinera, which is a delicious seafood soup that is considered to be one of the most illustrative Honduran dishes. Prepared according to the traditional Honduran recipe, it includes: fish or shrimps, crabs, coconut milk, yucca, chopped cilantro, and plantain. Seafood are cooked for 15 minutes, to preserve all the nutrients, consequently making this soup not only appetizing but also very healthy. The light color and sweetish flavour of the soup is a result of adding the coconut milk. A little white wine is usually added in order to achive a sour flavor.

Sopa de Frijoles (Black Bean Soup)

It is a delicious red bean soup eaten in every household of Honduras. For the preparation of this soup, red beans are soaked in water and then boiled together with pork ribs, green bell peppers, onions and salt. When the beans are soft, the broth has a dark brown color and a distinctive flavor. Then green plantains and yucca are added, as well as the coriander. Sometimes, before serving, whilst the soup is still boiling in the plate, a raw egg is added on top. Other sides include someked dry cheese, chicharrones (deep fried pork belly fat), sour cream and the ever-present tortillas.

Sopa de Capirotadas (Cheese and Cornmeal Balls in Soup)

This Honduran soup recipe is delicious, easy to make and also very economical. Sopa de Capirotadas is traditionally made only during lent & Easter. It made a hearty meal for those who could not afford the fish that is usually eaten in lent. This soup must be prepared with a great care so that the balls do not fall apart and become “mass” soup. It is best to use Mexican or Central American queso seco (dry cheese) because any other cheese may not work. This cheese very dry and is lacking any moisture what allows the round patties to hold well, also it is quite salty so it almost not necessary to add any any more salt. It can be substituted with grated Parmesan cheese and also dry corn flour for fresh corn dough. The end result is delicious, this is a very good soup for cheese lovers.

Sopa de Mondongo (Tripe Soup)

Sopa de Mondongo or intestine soup is one of traditional Honduran dishes. It is made from diced tripe (very well cleaned stomach of a cow) slow-cooked with vegetables. The organs and feet are cooked until they are soft and flavorful (although a smidgen chewy). At the very end vegetables like potatos, yucca, plantain, cabbage, corn, bell peppers, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, cilantro or garlic are added. The result is a heaping bowl of delightful intestine and veggie stew.

Tripe might be difficult to cook because it must be cleaned very well, flavor might be off (rough or sour if not cooked properly), and it requires long cooking time. If cooked correctly this dish brings the true goodness of the tripe. This recipe is a perfect example on how something like stomach lining can be changed and made tasty.

Other Honduran Soups:

• Cazuela Olanchana (Olanchana Casserole)
• Groundnut Soup
• Sopa de Albondigas (Meatballs Soup)
• Sopa de Camarón Gigante (Giant Shrimp Soup)
• Sopa de Cangrejo / Sopa de Jaiba (Crab Soup)
• Sopa de Chicharos (Pea Soup)
• Sopa de Frijoles Con Costilla de Cerdo (Bean Soup with Pork Ribs)
• Sopa de Frijoles Con Pellejos de Cerdo (Bean Soup with Pork)
• Sopa de Gallina de Patio (Backyard Chicken Soup)
• Sopa de Garrobo (Iguana Soup)
• Sopa de Jaiba Con Coco (Coconut Crab Soup)
• Sopa de Pescado en Coco (Coconut Fish Soup)
• Sopa de Platano (Plantain Soup)
• Sopa de Res (Beef Soup)
• Sopa de Tortilla (Tortilla Soup)
• Sopa de Venado (Venison Soup)
• Sopa de Verduras (Vegetable Soup)
• Sopa Dulce (Sweet Soup)
• Sopa Marinera (Seafood Soup)
• Sopa Tapado (Layered Soup)
• Tapado Olanchano (Layered Olancha Soup)
• Tikini (Sopa Garifuna de Pescado)