Allergy Free Sopa de Lima (Mexican Lime Soup)

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Allergy-Free Sopa de Lima (Mexican Lime Soup)

Sometimes the challenge of eating allergy-friendly and gluten-free is all about making smart choices. You begin to look at certain types of cuisine with a fresh eye because they just might be naturally free of certain allergens. For example, Mexican food relies heavily on the gluten-free grain corn. So it’s a pretty safe bet that you can find traditional recipes that are already gluten-free. This lovely Mexican chicken soup derives from the Yucatan, and is naturally allergy-friendly. If you choose your chicken stock wisely, it’s also easily gluten-free.

If you are allergic to corn, but can eat gluten, instead of corn tortillas, swap out regular flour tortillas. And if you can’t eat either, well then, try my recipe for gluten-free (corn-free) tortillas, here.

Sopa de Lima (Allergy-Free)

Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced fine (1 1/2cups)
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced fine (or use a garlic press)
  • 1/2  teaspoon oregano (Mexican, if you have it)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 8 black peppercorns
  • pinch of allspice
  • 8 cups chicken broth (Kitchen Basics is gluten-free and allergy-friendly)
  • 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes (or 1 3/4 lbs fresh tomatoes, skinned and diced)
  • 1 Tablespoon minced fresh Jalapeño pepper
  • 6 Tablespoons freshly squeezed limejuice
  • 1 lime sliced in half lengthwise, then into thin half-moon slices
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz. fresh corn tortillas*
  • canola oil, or safflower oil, or sunflower oil for frying
  • 2 avocados, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • chopped jalapeños for garnish (optional)

1. Steam chicken breast for 10 minutes and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in large heavy pot. Add onions and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 3 minutes until slightly softened.

3. Add oregano, cumin, peppercorns, and allspice, and cook 2 minutes more.

4. Add broth and bring to a simmer.

5. Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces (or shred with two forks, if you prefer), and add to pot.

6. Add tomatoes, Jalapeño, lime juice, 2 lime slices, and salt. Stir, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook about 25 minutes.

7. Meanwhile, slice tortillas into 1/2-inch strips. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over high heat until starting to shimmer. Drop half of tortilla strips into pan and cook until deeply golden and slightly puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon or spatula and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining half of tortillas.

8. To serve, ladle soup into bowls, top with tortilla strips, avocado, a couple slices of lime, and cilantro. Add a little more jalapeno if you like it spicy. Serve piping hot!

* You may use store bought tortilla chips if you prefer.

Sopa de Lima (Allergy-Free)
© 2010 by Cybele Pascal

(Please note that all my recipes are completely free of all top allergens (wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, and gluten), so as many people as possible can enjoy them. Additionally, all the ingredients are available at Whole Foods, and online at Amazon.com. If you have trouble finding something, let me know and I’ll help you find it.)

SAFETY NOTE: Because each person’s food sensitivity and reaction is unique, ranging from mild intolerance to life-threatening and severe food allergies, it is up to the consumer to monitor ingredients and manufacturing conditions. If manufacturing conditions, potential cross contact between foods, and ingredient derivatives pose a risk for you, please re-read all food labels and call the manufacturer to confirm potential allergen concerns before consumption. Ingredients and manufacturing practices can change overnight and without warning.


9 Responses

  1. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by chupieandjsmama, Only in Bucks County and Cybele Pascal, Cybele Pascal. Cybele Pascal said: Check out Sopa de Lima (Allergy-Free) @ http://www.cybelepascal.com/?p=1982 #glutenfree #foodallergy […]

  2. Nora says:

    When I was first told my son had food allergies, a friend of mine encouraged me to focus on my Mexican heritage and try simple recipes. Our son was not allergic to corn, so it made sense. I was glad I had these recipes to start off my allergy free journey. I still have more to learn, but I’m glad you have discovered new Mexican food recipes to share. I have never heard of this type of soup. Can’t wait to give it a try.

  3. Jessica says:

    Those look great! I agree with your thoughts on looking for the “right” type of food that naturally excludes gluten in traditional dishes. Great job on the dish!

  4. Sandra says:

    Sounds awesome, and it looks even better!

  5. Cybele says:

    Thanks, Nora! I’d love to know what types of foods you started out with. Always curious to know what people’s journey has been with food allergies.

    all best,

    Cybele

  6. Cybele says:

    Hi Jessica. Thanks!

  7. Cybele says:

    Sandra, hope you enjoy it. It’s really pretty simple, and great for these cold cold days.

  8. yummy! i love to cook things that are naturally gluten-free. and i love mexican food. i can’t wait to try this out next week. 🙂

Leave a Reply to Celia