Sopa De Caracol Recipe – Honduras's Hearty Delight

Name: Sopa De Caracol
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Cuisine: Honduras
Ingredients: annatto achiote; bell pepper; black pepper; canned; carrots; chicken broth; cilantro for garnish; cloves garlic; conch; corn kernels frozen; cumin; cut into chunks; dried oregano; fish; green plantains; hot sauce; limes juiced; olive oil; onion; other shellfish if conch is unavailable; paprika; salt; substitute with shrimp; tomatoes; yuca cassava

Sopa De Caracol is a beloved Honduran soup made with conch and a vibrant mix of vegetables. This dish holds cultural significance, often enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations. It's a comforting meal that showcases the coastal flavors of Honduras.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~450 kcal / serving

Ingredients

1 conch (or substitute with shrimp or other shellfish if conch is unavailable), cleaned and cut into chunks
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 green plantains, peeled and sliced
1 cup yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
4 cups fish or chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon ground annatto (achiote) or paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 limes, juiced
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Base

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and garlic, and saut√© until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, and carrots, and cook for another 5 minutes.

Add Spices and Broth

Add the ground annatto (or paprika), dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

Pour in the fish or chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Cook the Vegetables

Add the sliced plantains, yuca, and corn to the pot.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Add the Conch

Add the conch pieces (or shrimp, if using) to the pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the conch is tender and cooked through.

Finish and Serve

Stir in the lime juice and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot. Optionally, add hot sauce to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sopa De Caracol?

Sopa De Caracol is a traditional Honduran soup made with conch, vegetables, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful dish.

Where does Sopa De Caracol come from?

Sopa De Caracol originates from Honduras, particularly along its coastal regions where seafood is abundant.

What are the main ingredients in Sopa De Caracol?

The key ingredients include conch, onion, garlic, tomatoes, bell pepper, carrots, green plantains, and yuca.

How long does Sopa De Caracol take to make?

Sopa De Caracol takes approximately 65-85 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Sopa De Caracol?

Serve Sopa De Caracol with warm tortillas or avocado slices for a delightful meal.

Sopa De Caracol