Guatemalan Soup
Guatemalan Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring rice, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, perfect for those seeking warm, comforting flavors with a hint of traditional Central American cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the rice in water until softened, then drain.
- Combine all ingredients and grind well.
- Add meat broth and mix thoroughly.
- Simmer all ingredients until cooked.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more aromatic flavor, consider toasting the black peppercorns and cumin seeds before grinding. If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes can work as a substitute, though fresh will provide a brighter taste. For a vegetarian version, replace meat broth with a vegetable broth, and add some chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added texture. Ground coriander can be used in moderation if you don’t have whole seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Guatemalan soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of rice. For a refreshing drink, try it alongside a glass of Caribbean Pineapple Ginger Cooler to complement the spices in the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving for even heating, but if you do, stir halfway through to prevent hot spots.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Guatemalan Soup contains roughly 1163 calories, with 31g protein, 261g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (229% of the Daily Value), iron (149% of the Daily Value), and calcium (91% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2167mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better after the flavors meld together. Just follow the recipe and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy.
What type of meat broth works best?
A rich chicken or beef broth is ideal for this recipe, as it adds depth to the soup. If you're looking for a lighter option, a homemade vegetable broth can also work well while still keeping the essence of the dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the soup. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the added veggies to ensure everything is cooked properly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).