Sopa de Mandioca is a traditional South American dish made with cassava (also known as yuca or manioc), a starchy root vegetable commonly used in various Latin American cuisines. This comforting and filling soup combines cassava with vegetables, sometimes meat, and seasonings to create a creamy, hearty soup. The cassava provides a unique texture and subtle sweetness, making it a perfect dish for cooler weather or when you’re craving something cozy and filling.

Ingredients:

• 500 gr mandioca (cassava), peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 liter vegetable or chicken broth
• 200 gr cooked, shredded chicken (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mandioca: Peel and dice the cassava into small cubes. Make sure to remove any fibrous core.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
3. Add the Cassava: Add the diced cassava to the pot and stir well to coat with the vegetables.
4. Pour in Broth: Add the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, add the bay leaf and cumin, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the cassava is tender.
5. Blend (Optional): If you prefer a creamy texture, remove about half of the soup and blend it until smooth. Return the blended portion to the pot.
6. Add Chicken (Optional): If you’re adding shredded chicken, stir it into the soup and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
7. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for added flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 8 gr (without chicken), 18 gr (with chicken)
• Carbohydrates: 50 gr
• Fiber: 6 gr

Sopa de Mandioca is a comforting and nutritious cassava-based soup with a mild flavor, perfect for warming up on a cold day. You can make it vegetarian or add chicken for extra protein, making it versatile and satisfying