The Recipe · No.1037 · Sopa de Lima

Sopa de Lima, and where to source it

Sopa de Lima — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Sopa de Lima Mexican 5best2buy.com

The lima agria (Yucatecan bitter lime) is the whole soul of the dish — its floral bitterness is not the same as a regular lime. If you can only find Persian limes, add a strip of the peel to the broth to mimic that faint bitterness, and add the juice only at the end so it doesn't turn harsh.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook40 min
Makesserves 6
CuisineMexican
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Chicken
Bone-in for a richer broth; poach and shred the meat.
2 lb
Source it →
Lima agria or limes
Yucatecan bitter lime if you can find it; otherwise limes plus a strip of peel. The heart of the soup.
4
Local / market
Corn tortillas
Cut in strips and fried crisp for the base.
6
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Tomato
Diced, added to the broth.
2
Local / market
White onion
Some for the broth, some raw to finish.
1
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Habanero
Whole in the broth for aroma, or diced for heat — Yucatecan signature.
1
Local / market
Mexican oregano
More citrusy than Mediterranean oregano; the right note here.
1 tsp
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Cilantro
For garnish.
1/4 cup
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Make the brothPoach chicken with onion, garlic and salt until tender, then shred the meat and reserve the broth.
  2. Build the soupSimmer the broth with tomato, onion, Mexican oregano and a whole habanero for aroma.
  3. Fry the tortillasCut tortillas into strips and fry until crisp; drain.
  4. Add limeReturn the shredded chicken, then off the heat stir in fresh lime juice (and a strip of peel if using Persian limes).
  5. ServePile tortilla strips in bowls, ladle the hot broth over, and garnish with cilantro, onion and a lime wedge.
The Toolkit

Stockpot · Frying pan · Ladle

Straight Answers
Can you make Sopa de Lima in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Sopa de Lima? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Sopa de Lima ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Sopa de Lima gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Sopa de Lima vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1037