Menestra or Sopa De Verduras (Market Vegetable Soup)

Jun 03, 2023June 3, 20230 1
Market Vegetable Soup with Guajillo Chili and Cotija Cheese
in Soup

Prep

15 min + overnight soaking

Cook

45 min

Ready In

1 hr 15 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 poblano chile , roasted , seeded , and diced
1/2 cup dried garbanzo beans
1 small leek , trimmed of dark green leaves , cleaned , quartered , and sliced
1 small white onion , diced
1/2 small carrot , peeled and finely diced
2 garlic cloves , minced
1/2 cup fresh corn kernels
2 cups finely diced mixed seasonal vegetables ( zucchini , green beans , red bell pepper , yams , green cabbage , white mushrooms , peas , kale , etc . )
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
2 dried bay leaves
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
8 cups water ( or vegetable broth )
2 guajillo chilies , stemmed and seeded
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 corn tortillas
2 ounces crumbled Cotija cheese

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
208
Sugar
8g
Fat
7g
Menestra or Sopa De Verduras is a traditional Spanish soup that's typically made with a variety of seasonal vegetables and legumes. It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables, and you can customize it based on what’s available in your local market. This version is loaded with fresh vegetables like zucchini, green beans, red bell pepper, and yams, and it's flavored with a combination of mild poblano and spicy guajillo chilies. This hearty soup is a complete meal in itself, and you can serve it with some crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side for added texture. The Cotija cheese adds a salty tanginess that balances out the spicy chilies perfectly. This soup is perfect for a cold winter day when you want something warm and comforting to eat.

Instructions

1.Rinse the garbanzo beans and soak them overnight in enough water to cover them.
2.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3.Place the poblano chile on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, or until the skin is black and blistered.
4.Remove the chile from the oven and let it cool. Once it's cool enough to handle, remove the skin, seeds, and stem, and dice the pepper.
5.In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the leek, white onion, carrot, and garlic. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
6.Add the corn, mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes with juice, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and water or vegetable broth.
7.Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the garbanzo beans are tender.
8.While the soup is simmering, toast the guajillo chilies in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side, or until fragrant. Remove from the heat and let cool. Once they’re cool enough to handle, remove the stem and seeds, and tear or chop the chilies into small pieces.
9.Cut the tortillas into strips and fry them in a separate skillet until crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side.
10.Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard. Serve the soup hot, topped with the roasted poblano, toasted guajillo chilies, fried tortilla strips, and crumbled Cotija cheese.

PROS

This soup is loaded with healthy vegetables and plant-based protein from the garbanzo beans.
The addition of poblano and guajillo chilies give it a spicy kick, while the Cotija cheese adds a salty tanginess.

This soup is also a great option for anyone following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

CONS

The garbanzo beans need to be soaked overnight, which requires some planning ahead.
The soup also requires some prep work and cooking time, but the result is worth the effort.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This Market Vegetable Soup is packed with nutrients from a variety of seasonal vegetables, including zucchini, green beans, red bell pepper, yams, green cabbage, white mushrooms, peas, and kale. These vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help promote overall health and lower the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
The garbanzo beans are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction. The spicy chilies have been linked to boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation.

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