Cookbook author Pati Jinich calls this flavorful soup made with oysters and chipotles in adobo one of her all-time favorites. Count us in as well as enthusiastic fans of the spicy-smoky base, plump oysters and soft-crisp texture, achieved with vegetables that are both pureed and left diced.
Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days without the oysters. Gently reheat over low heat. If planning to refrigerate the soup, consume all of the oysters and, if desired, start another batch of oysters the following day.
Shucked oysters can be found in the seafood section of well-stocked supermarkets or at a seafood store.
Vegetables can be diced up to 1 day ahead.
Story continues below advertisement
Advertisement
Ingredients
measuring cupServings: 6 (makes 8 1/2 cups)
- 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled (see NOTE)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large white onion (12 to 14 ounces), finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 5 ribs finely chopped celery, divided (1 1/2 cups)
- 5 medium carrots, finely chopped carrots, divided (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 large leeks, white and light green parts, well-rinsed and finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 chipotles in adobo, finely chopped, plus 1 tablespoon of the sauce
- 1 dried chile de árbol, stemmed and chopped
- 1 pound shucked oysters (12 to 15 large) with their juices
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican
- 5 cups shrimp, chicken or vegetable broth
- Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
Time Icon Active: 1 hour 15 mins| Total: 1 hour 45 minsStep 1
Preheat the broiler, with the rack 5 to 6 inches from the heat source. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil and place the tomatoes on top. Broil for 10 to 12 minutes, turning the tomatoes halfway through, or until charred and mushy. Remove from the oven. (Alternately, you can roast the tomatoes on a comal or in a large skillet over medium heat, turning them every 4 to 5 minutes, until soft and singed, for about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.)
Step 2
When the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, finely chop them and transfer to a 1 1/2-quart bowl. Make sure to tip any juices from the baking sheet into the bowl.
Step 3
In a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in two-thirds (about 1 cup) of each: celery, carrots and leeks, and cook until wilted, 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4
Clear a space in the middle of the pot and add the garlic, chipotles with the adobo sauce and chile de arbol. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute, then mix with the vegetables and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 5
Add the tomatoes, the oyster juices, salt and oregano, bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens a bit, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the broth, bring to a simmer and cook until the color darkens and the soup thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let cool slightly.
Step 6
Working in batches, transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Wash and dry the pot.
Step 7
If you want a silky texture, place a sieve over the pot and strain the soup through it; otherwise, just return the soup to the pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and add the remaining 1/2 cup of each celery, carrots and leeks. Simmer until the vegetables are cooked to al dente and the soup is a little thicker, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the shucked oysters and any remaining juices and cook until barely cooked through, about 1 minute. Turn off the heat.
Step 8
Ladle into soup bowls, garnish with the cilantro and offer your guests lime wedges for squeezing in the soup.
Step 9
NOTE: You can substitute 1 (28-ounce) can of fire-roasted tomatoes for the fresh; skip the broiling step and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Story continues below advertisement
Advertisement
Nutritional Facts
Per serving (scant 1 1/2 cups), with vegetable broth
Calories
165
Fat
9 g
Saturated Fat
1 g
Carbohydrates
19 g
Sodium
781 mg
Cholesterol
11 mg
Protein
4 g
Fiber
5 g
Sugar
8 g
This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.
Adapted from “Treasures of the Mexican Table” by Pati Jinich (Mariner Books, 2021).
Tested by Tom Sietsema.
Published December 9, 2021
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZL%2Bmr8ipnKxno6S9onnDnmSoq6SevK95wKVknKCZpby1uMRmmqGhoKTBrbGMqLCsrJWnerS71Klm