RecipesNicaraguaSopa de Chancleta

Sopa de Chancleta

A hearty and flavorful soup originating from the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, featuring fish, plantains, coconut milk, and aromatic vegetables.

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Sopa de Chancleta - Nicaragua traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Firm white fish fillets(such as snapper or grouper, cut into 2-inch pieces)
  • 2 medium Green plantains(peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds)
  • 1 medium Ripe plantains(peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds)
  • 13.5 oz Full-fat coconut milk(can)
  • 4 cups Vegetable broth
  • 1 medium Onion(chopped)
  • 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
  • 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(seeded and minced (optional, for heat))
  • 0.5 cup Cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

    ⏱️ 7 minutes
  2. 2

    Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and minced Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.

    ⏱️ 1 minute
  3. 3

    Pour in vegetable broth and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.

    💡 Tip: Stir well to combine the coconut milk and broth.
  4. 4

    Add the green and ripe plantain pieces to the simmering liquid. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the plantains are tender.

    ⏱️ 25 minutes
    💡 Tip: The plantains will absorb some of the liquid and thicken the soup.
  5. 5

    Gently add the fish pieces to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the fish.

    ⏱️ 7 minutes
    💡 Tip: Avoid stirring too vigorously once the fish is added to prevent it from breaking apart.
  6. 6

    Stir in the chopped cilantro. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

    💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
  7. 7

    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh cilantro.

    💡 Tip: Serve hot.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For a spicier soup, leave some seeds in the Scotch bonnet pepper.
  • If you can't find fresh ginger, use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
  • Ensure the fish is added towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

🔄 Variations

  • Add other vegetables like carrots or yuca for a heartier soup.
  • Substitute shrimp or other firm seafood for the fish.

🏷️ Tags