Sopa de tortilla is a traditional Mexican soup made by simmering a blended base of tomatoes, chillies, and aromatics, then topping it with crispy fried tortilla strips and fresh garnishes. It is a soul-warming dish designed to use leftover tortillas to avoid waste.
The key to an authentic sopa de tortilla lies in the contrast between the rich, spicy broth and the crunch of fresh, stone-ground corn tortilla strips.
Traditional Ingredients and Origin
Born in Tlaxcala and often called Aztec soup, this dish centers on the heart of Mexican cuisine: maize and chillies. A traditional base uses blended tomatoes, garlic, onion, and pasilla or ancho chillies, often simmered with chicken stock and epazote for an earthy depth.
Preparing the Tortilla Strips
To achieve the necessary crunch, cut La Tortillería corn tortillas into 1cm strips and fry them in batches or bake at 150°C to 180°C until golden. At our Kensington tortilleria, customers often ask if they can use store-bought chips, but frying fresh masa tortillas provides a superior, authentic texture that absorbs the broth without becoming instantly mushy.
Customising the Toppings
This soup is traditionally served with toppings on the side so each person can customise their bowl to their taste. Common additions include sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, crumbly ricotta or queso fresco, and fresh coriander for a bright, herbaceous finish.
Regional Variations
Sopa Tarasca from Michoacán offers a heartier version by incorporating blended black beans and ancho chillies into the base. This creates a thicker, comfort-food texture that differs from the lighter, tomato-forward versions found in central Mexico.
Finding Authentic Masa Tortillas in Australia
Authentic nixtamalized corn tortillas are difficult to find in mainstream supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths. You can find our stone-ground corn tortillas at our store, online, or through our network of independent retailers.
