Caldo de Pollo con Nopales
Caldo de Pollo con Nopales is a traditional Mexican chicken soup featuring tender chicken, cactus paddles (nopales), and a medley of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and corn. It's a hearty, comforting broth-based soup often seasoned with cilantro, onion, and garlic. This dish is a staple in Mexican home cooking, valued for its simplicity and nourishing qualities.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This soup is a well-balanced meal, providing a good source of lean protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables and nopales. A typical serving is moderate in calories, generally ranging from 250-350 kcal, and offers essential vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin C.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 20 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Potassium | 520 mg |
| Vitamin A | 4500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 18 mg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 210 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The inclusion of nopales (cactus paddles) is a uniquely Mexican touch, adding a pleasant, slightly tart flavor and a texture similar to green beans. Nutritionally, nopales are known for being low in calories and high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, making this soup a particularly wholesome choice.
