Cuban Soup Recipe

Cuban cuisine, known for its rich history and vibrant flavors, often features hearty, soulful dishes that are perfect for any occasion. One such dish is Cuban soup, a comforting blend of savory ingredients that reflect the country’s diverse culinary influences. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and family gatherings.

A Cuban soup is like a hug in a bowl-hearty, flavorful, and warming. It’s typically packed with meats, vegetables, and bold spices, making it the perfect comfort food, whether you’re sitting down for a family dinner or looking for something to warm you up on a chilly day. Think of it as a fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, each ingredient telling a story about Cuba’s unique history.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through an amazing Cuban soup recipe, share ingredient insights, expert tips, and some variations to make it your own. By the end, you’ll have a delicious bowl of Cuban comfort food ready to enjoy!

This Cuban soup recipe takes inspiration from the traditional Sopa de Pollo (Cuban chicken soup) and Sopa de Frijoles (Cuban bean soup), combining them into a single, deliciously balanced dish that incorporates both hearty protein and rich vegetables. It’s full of bold flavors, with a little kick from Cuban spices, yet it remains simple and accessible to anyone. The key to making a great Cuban soup is letting the flavors develop slowly, creating a perfect harmony between each ingredient.

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious Cuban soup, here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need:

Chicken (Bone-in, skin-on): You can use thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken cut into pieces. The bone adds richness and depth of flavor to the broth.
Olive oil: A must-have fat to sauté vegetables and add richness. Cuban cuisine uses olive oil generously.
Yellow onion: It serves as the aromatic base, sautéed until soft and golden to release its sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to enhancing the soup’s flavors. It’s fragrant and pungent, balancing the savory profile of the dish.
Bell peppers (green and red): These give the soup a pop of color and subtle sweetness, adding freshness.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are ideal, but canned tomatoes work well too. They provide acidity and a rich base for the broth.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and texture, complementing the savory ingredients.
Potatoes: They absorb the soup’s flavors and give the dish a comforting, filling texture.
Cabbage: Optional, but traditional in many Cuban soups. It adds a bit of crunch and a slight earthiness.
Beans: Black beans or white beans are both excellent options to add protein and heartiness.
Chicken broth: For the base of the soup. You can use homemade broth, but store-bought works just fine.
Lime juice: Adds a sharp, fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.
Cilantro: A fresh herb for garnish, adding a burst of color and herbal brightness.
Cumin, oregano, and bay leaves: These spices are typical in Cuban cooking, contributing a warm, earthy flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Sear the Chicken: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin side down, and sear them until they are golden brown on all sides. This step helps develop the flavor, creating a rich base for the soup. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, lower the heat to medium. Add chopped onions, garlic, bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onions become translucent. This process builds the foundational flavor of the soup.
Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.
Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and add the seared chicken back into the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Let it cook for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Add Potatoes, Beans, and Cabbage: Add diced potatoes, beans, and cabbage (if using). Simmer for another 20-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
Finish with Lime and Cilantro: Before serving, stir in fresh lime juice and garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh, zesty finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! It’s perfect with some warm Cuban bread or a side of rice.

Ingredient Insights

Chicken: The bone-in, skin-on chicken isn’t just for flavor. It releases natural collagen into the broth, giving the soup that smooth, silky texture that you find in high-quality homemade broths.
Olive Oil: Cuban cuisine often relies on olive oil because of its rich flavor and health benefits. It’s not just a cooking fat; it’s part of the essence of the dish.
Cabbage: Although cabbage is not a mandatory ingredient, it adds another layer of texture and subtle flavor, making the soup even more hearty and filling.
Spices: The combination of cumin, oregano, and bay leaves is essential to achieving that authentic Cuban flavor. These spices come from the Spanish and African influences on Cuban cooking, giving the soup a unique and aromatic taste.

Expert Tips

Don’t Rush the Searing Process: Searing the chicken properly is crucial for developing flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot and allow the chicken to get a nice, crispy skin that will add depth to the broth.
Use Homemade Broth: While store-bought chicken broth works fine, homemade broth can elevate the soup to another level. It adds a richness that you can’t quite replicate with store-bought versions.
Flavor Development: Letting the soup simmer for a long time is key. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. It’s tempting to rush, but patience will reward you with a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Lime for Freshness: The lime juice at the end cuts through the richness and brings everything together. Don’t skip it!

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add more beans and potatoes to make it hearty.
Add Plantains: Sweet plantains bring a delicious balance to the savory flavors of the soup. Simply peel and slice a couple of plantains and add them along with the potatoes for extra sweetness.
Spicy Kick: If you like your soup with some heat, add a sliced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. It’ll give the soup a whole new dimension.
Use Different Meats: Instead of chicken, you can use pork, beef, or even sausage. Pork, especially, is a great choice as it infuses the soup with a deeper, smoky flavor.

Final Words

This Cuban soup is a reflection of the flavors that have been passed down through generations, influenced by Spanish, African, and Caribbean ingredients. It’s a celebration of the simple, yet powerful, way food can bring people together. Whether you make it for a family gathering or a quiet night at home, you’ll be transported to the warm, vibrant kitchens of Cuba.

Cuban Soup Recipe