Spicy, Smoky Caldo De Queso (Sonoran Cheese & Potato Soup)
Whatever name you know this soup by--Caldo De Papa, Caldo De Queso Y Papa, Caldo De Papas Y Queso, or Caldo De Queso Estilo Sonora--this homespun Mexican soup from northwestern Sonora is a keeper. Fire roasted green chile, toothsome new potato, vibrant sweet tomato. Together. With a boost from a few cloves of garlic, a hint of oregano, and subtle infusion of fresh cilantro. Unpretentious. Direct. Nourishing. Addictive. Flavor Bomb.
Equipment
- one 4-quart soup pot
- six 12 ounce soup bowls
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, skinned cored, chopped (1 medium large onion)
- 6 large garlic cloves, skinned and minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups Italian plum tomatoes, skinned and diced (or 14.5 ounce canned tomatoes)
- 3/4 cup Anaheim or poblano chiles, roasted, skinned, seeded, deribbed and chopped (or canned fire-roasted chiles)
- 8 cups chicken stock, homemade or canned
- 1½ pounds baby red potatoes, scrubbed and ½-inch cubed (about 3 cups cubed)
- several sprigs fresh cilantro
- sea salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnishes (optional)
- ¾ cup Queso Fresco queso panela, or similar fresh cheese, coarsely grated or crumbled (or Cotija for more flavor and bite)
- fresh cilantro sprigs
Accompaniments (optional)
- taco chips restaurant quality if you can get them
- lime wedges
Instructions
- In a 4- to 5-quart soup pot, over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Reduce heat to low and add onion. Sauté, stirring constantly, until softened and transparent, about 4 minutes.
- Add garlic and oregano, and sauté for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Add tomato and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring periodically, until juices release.
- Add chicken stock, raise heat, and bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes and cilantro, and cover. Simmer until potatoes are tender (10-12 minutes).
- Uncover pan, remove cilantro if you wish, and add chilies.
- To serve, ladle into 12-ounce soup bowls, and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and a spoonful of crumbled Queso Fresco.
- Accompany with taco chips and lime wedges.