1 Cup Mexican Style Sopa Seca (Dry Soup) contains 340 calories. If you are looking for a tasty yet filling meal, this recipe is perfect for you. Sopa Seca, which translates to 'dry soup,' is a Mexican dish made with pasta and beans cooked in a tomato base. This dish is not only delicious but also quite healthy.

Sopa Seca typically includes staple Mexican ingredients such as cumin, garlic, and chili powder, complemented with a mix of boiled and seasoned black and kidney beans. It also includes a generous amount of fiber, which is great for digestion.

In this article, we'll go through how to make Sopa Seca and ways to add some nutritional value to it. If you're keen on Mexican food but want to keep an eye on your calories, this dish is perfect for you.

Calorie Content of Mexican Style Sopa Seca

One cup of Mexican Style Sopa Seca contains approximately 340 calories. This may vary depending on the exact ingredients used. While the amount of calories per serving may seem high, it is worth noting that Sopa Seca is an entire meal in a bowl. It contains a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, which are all important for keeping you full and satisfied for an extended period. Moreover, it is much healthier than other high-calorie and less nutritious Mexican dishes such as enchiladas and quesadillas.

Mexican Style Sopa Seca Ingredients

Mexican Style Sopa Seca is a straightforward dish to make, with simple ingredients. Here are the ingredients needed:

• 1 cup of pasta (preferably vermicelli)
• One can of black beans (rinsed and drained)
• One can of kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• One can of diced tomatoes
• Two cloves of garlic (minced)
• Three cups of vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• One teaspoon of cumin
• One teaspoon of chili powder
• Salt to taste

These ingredients can be adjusted to fit your desired taste and preference. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of chili powder; if you don't like beans, you can omit them entirely.

Mexican Style Sopa Seca Serving Size

The serving size for Mexican Style Sopa Seca is one cup, which contains approximately 340 calories. However, this recipe can easily be adjusted to fit your desired portion size. If you're cooking for a larger group, you can double or triple the ingredients to make a bigger batch. The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and enjoyed as a quick and easy meal option throughout the week.

Mexican Style Sopa Seca Macronutrient Breakdown

Mexican Style Sopa Seca is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of macronutrients. Here's a breakdown of the nutrient content in one serving:

• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 11g
• Sodium: 937mg
• Calcium: 103mg
• Iron: 5mg

This macronutrient breakdown makes Sopa Seca a great meal option for those looking to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

Health Benefits of Mexican Style Sopa Seca

Mexican Style Sopa Seca is a nutritious dish packed with health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits you can expect from eating Sopa Seca:

• Rich in fiber: Sopa Seca contains a high amount of fiber, which is great for digestion and also helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Good source of protein: This dish contains a good amount of protein from the black and kidney beans, which are plant-based sources of protein.
• Low in fat: Sopa Seca is low in fat, making it an excellent meal option for those trying to maintain a healthy weight.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals: This dish is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamin C.

Incorporating Sopa Seca into your diet can improve your overall health and help you achieve your health goals.

Ways to Make Mexican Style Sopa Seca Healthier

While Sopa Seca is already a healthy dish, here are some tips to make it even healthier:

• Use whole-grain pasta instead of regular pasta to increase fiber content.
• Use low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce sodium levels.
• Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots to increase vitamin and mineral content.
• Use lean protein sources, such as chicken or turkey, instead of beans to make it lower in carbohydrates.
• Use fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley to add additional flavor and nutrition.

By making these small adjustments, you can significantly increase the nutritional value of the dish.

Mexican Style Sopa Seca Flavor Profile

Mexican Style Sopa Seca has a robust and savory flavor profile, thanks to the combination of herbs and spices used in the recipe. The addition of cumin and chili powder gives the dish a slight heat, while the garlic adds a rich umami flavor. The tomatoes provide a slight sweetness that complements the spices and beans well. Overall, this dish is a harmonious blend of various flavors that will undoubtedly appeal to different palates.

Mexican Style Sopa Seca Preparation Time

Mexican Style Sopa Seca is a relatively simple dish to make and takes around 45 minutes from start to finish. The majority of the time is spent cooking the ingredients and letting them simmer to infuse the flavors. However, the prep time for this dish is relatively short, as most of the ingredients are canned and require minimal preparation. In summary, Sopa Seca is a fantastic option for a quick and easy yet satisfying meal.

Mexican Style Sopa Seca as a Meal Replacement

Mexican Style Sopa Seca is an excellent meal replacement option, especially for those who want to consume a well-rounded and filling meal that won't leave them feeling hungry shortly after consumption. It is particularly beneficial for people trying to lose weight, as it is relatively low in calories yet high in nutrients. Additionally, it is high in fiber, which is a crucial nutrient for weight loss as it helps keep you full for more extended periods. Sopa Seca can be eaten for dinner or lunch as a stand-alone meal or be accompanied by a light salad for added nutrition.

Mexican Style Sopa Seca Meal Ideas

There are many ways to enjoy Mexican Style Sopa Seca beyond just serving it as a bowl of soup.

• As a burrito filling: You can use the leftovers of Sopa Seca as a burrito filling, along with some brown rice, lettuce, and salsa.
• As a side dish: Sopa Seca can be used as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish for a complete and filling meal.
• As a dip: You can puree the Sopa Seca to create a thick, flavorful dip that can be served with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.

Experiment with different serving ideas to add variety and excitement to your meal.