Sopa de lima is the Yucatán's signature soup: light turkey or chicken broth brightened with the juice of native Yucatán lima (a sweet-tart limón), garnished with crispy tortilla strips, avocado and a slice of fresh lima.

The dish is built around the Yucatán lima criolla (Citrus limetta), a sweet-sour citrus distinct from regular limes. Spanish citrus crossed with Mayan turkey broth and habanero produced the soup in the colonial era. Today's canonical version at La Tradición and La Chaya Maya runs Yucatán lima, achiote and turkey.

Where to eat Sopa de lima in Mérida

4 editor picks for Sopa de lima in Mérida, ranked by editorial score. All Mérida signature dishes · Sopa de lima across every city.

Book food experiences in Mérida

See all 591 food experiences in Mérida

Make it at home

Serves 41 hrEasy

Ingredients

  • 1.5L turkey or chicken broth, homemade
  • 300g cooked shredded turkey breast
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Juice of 4 limas (or 3 limes + 1 sweet orange)
  • 1 lima, sliced thin for garnish
  • 4 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips and fried
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 habanero pepper, sliced (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Method

  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and tomato. Cook 5 minutes.
  2. Add oregano and cumin, stir 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Stir in shredded turkey and lima juice. Simmer 5 more minutes. Season with salt.
  5. Ladle into bowls. Top with fried tortilla strips, diced avocado, a slice of fresh lima and habanero if using.
  6. Serve immediately while the tortilla strips are still crisp.

Editor tip. If you can't find Yucatán lima, blend regular lime juice with a touch of sweet orange juice for the closest approximation.

Common allergens: Gluten.