Sopa de Caracol Garifuna
A rich and flavorful soup from the Garifuna people of Honduras, featuring tender conch meat simmered in coconut milk with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices. It's a creamy, slightly sweet, and savory dish that embodies the coastal culinary traditions of Honduras.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Conch meat(cleaned and tenderized, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 cups Coconut milk(preferably fresh)
- 4 cups Water or fish stock
- 2 medium Green plantains(peeled and sliced into rounds)
- 1 large Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 large Bell pepper(diced (red or green for color))
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 bunch Cilantro(chopped, reserve some for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Achiote (annatto)(ground)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin(ground)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 limes Lime(juiced)
- 1 Hot pepper (optional)(habanero or chili, for spice)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and diced bell pepper until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Stir in the ground achiote and cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat the aromatics in the spices.
- 3
Add the tenderized conch meat to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 4
Pour in the coconut milk and water (or fish stock). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the sliced green plantains and cubed potatoes. Stir gently to ensure they are submerged in the liquid.
- 5
If using, add the chopped hot pepper. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the plantains and potatoes are tender.
- 6
Stir in the lime juice and most of the chopped cilantro, reserving some for garnish. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, letting all the flavors blend.
- 7
Remove the hot pepper (if used) before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of conch, plantains, and potatoes. Garnish with the reserved cilantro and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more authentic flavor, use freshly squeezed coconut milk.
- ✓If conch meat is unavailable, firm white fish or shrimp can be substituted.
- ✓Serve with fresh corn tortillas or white rice on the side.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like yuca (cassava) or sweet potatoes.
- Include diced tomatoes for added sweetness and acidity.