Sopa de Capirotadas (Honduran Cheese Dumpling Soup)
A comforting and hearty soup featuring tender dumplings made from cheese and masa, simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth with vegetables. This dish is a staple of Honduran home cooking, especially in rural areas.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(diced)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 6 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and diced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1.5 cups Masa harina
- 1 cup Shredded cheese(e.g., queso fresco or mild cheddar)
- 1 large Egg
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 2
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add diced carrots and potatoes. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- 4
While the soup simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, combine masa harina, shredded cheese, and the egg. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together. Roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- 5
Carefully drop the dumplings into the simmering soup, one by one. Ensure they are submerged in the broth.
- 6
Continue to simmer the soup, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and have floated to the surface. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- 7
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a small piece of pork or chicken to the broth while it simmers.
- ✓Ensure the masa dough is not too sticky; adjust with a little more masa harina if needed.
- ✓The dumplings will expand as they cook, so don't make them too large.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like corn kernels or green beans to the soup.
- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño with the onions.