Sopa de Chayote con Queso
A comforting and creamy chayote soup, enriched with the savory flavor of cheese. This light yet satisfying soup is a wonderful way to enjoy the mild, versatile chayote, often served as a starter or a light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 medium Chayote squash(peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 cup Milk(or half-and-half for richer soup)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 0.5 cup Nicaraguan white cheese (queso blanco) or feta cheese(crumbled, plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chopped chayote and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chayote is very tender.
- 4
Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Blend until smooth. If using a regular blender, work in batches and be cautious with hot liquids.
💡 Tip: Ensure the soup is not too hot before blending in a standard blender. - 5
Return the pureed soup to the pot. Stir in the milk (or half-and-half), crumbled cheese, salt, and pepper. Heat gently over low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is warmed through. Do not boil.
💡 Tip: Add more milk or broth if a thinner consistency is desired. - 6
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with additional crumbled cheese and fresh cilantro, if desired.
💡 Tip: Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer soup, use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk.
- ✓If you don't have Nicaraguan white cheese, feta or a mild goat cheese can be used as substitutes.
- ✓A pinch of nutmeg can add a subtle warmth to the soup.
🔄 Variations
- Add a diced potato along with the chayote to help thicken the soup.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure you use vegetable broth.
- A small amount of finely chopped jalapeño can be added with the onion for a hint of spice.