Tortilla soup: a comforting Mexican classic to discover

June 22, 2025Lili et Gordo
soupe tortilla

Tortilla soup, also called sopa de tortilla or sopa azteca , perfectly embodies the warm and convivial spirit of Mexican cuisine. Born from simple, local ingredients, it has crossed borders to become one of Mexico's iconic dishes, enjoyed today all over the world.

Origins and evolution

Originally, tortilla soup was a humble dish, prepared without chicken. Each region and each family added their own personal touch depending on the ingredients available. Over time, it evolved, sometimes incorporating chicken or other toppings, but always retaining its authentic essence: a rich and fragrant broth, served with crispy tortillas.

The interplay of textures and toppings

The magic of tortilla soup lies in the variety of its toppings. When serving, each bowl is adorned with strips of fried corn tortillas, diced fresh avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of crema mexicana. Everyone can personalize their bowl to their liking: a little more chili for those who like it spicy, or a few drops of lime to enhance the flavor.

An accessible and adaptable recipe

Tortilla soup lends itself equally well to a quick weekday version or a more elaborate weekend preparation. It can be made in under 30 minutes for a meal on the go, or you can take the time to explore more complex variations by playing with different types of chilies and toppings.

Want to try it? Order our ready-to-serve homemade toppings or come discover the MX Market and our workshops to learn how to prepare it like in Mexico!

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