🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍲 Soups > 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic Soups > 🍲 1.Asopao de Pollo (Dominican Chicken and Rice Stew) , 2.Caldo de Pollo Dominicano (Traditional Dominican Chicken Soup) , 3.Sopa de Auyama (Dominican Pumpkin Soup)
🍲 Dominican Republic Comforting Soup Recipes You’ll Love
When people think of Dominican cuisine, their mind often jumps straight to vibrant flavors, colorful dishes, and meals that bring families together. But tucked inside this lively culinary world is a category many people outside the Caribbean rarely explore deeply: Dominican soups.
These soups aren’t just “appetizers” or “side dishes”—they are warm hugs in a bowl. They’re the kind of meals Dominican families make on rainy days, family gatherings, lazy Sundays, or whenever they crave something deeply comforting. And yes, these dishes are beloved not only in the Dominican Republic but increasingly across the world thanks to their layered flavors and “pure comfort food” vibes.
In this long-form guide, we’re diving into three iconic Dominican soups, each with its own character and story:
🔥 1.Asopao de Pollo – a thick, hearty chicken-and-rice stew
🔥 2.Caldo de Pollo Dominicano – simple, healing, homestyle Dominican chicken soup
🔥 3.Sopa de Auyama – silky Dominican pumpkin soup rich in Caribbean flavor
You’ll get ingredients, measurements, step-by-step instructions, tips, mistakes to avoid, FAQs
🍲 Why Dominican Soups Are Loved Around the World
Dominican soups are loved not only in the Caribbean but by anyone who tries them abroad. Why? Because they combine simple ingredients with bold, layered flavors while still feeling wholesome, warming, and comforting. These soups often include root vegetables, herbs like cilantro and oregano, chicken or beef, and vegetables that simmer together until everything becomes tender and aromatic.
In this article, you’ll find three popular Dominican soup recipes, each providing a different experience:
• One thicker and stew-like,
• One light and warming,
• And one creamy and vegetable-forward.
Let’s dive in!
🥘 Recipe 1 — Asopao de Pollo (Dominican Chicken and Rice Stew)
🍛 About This Recipe
Asopao de Pollo is basically the Dominican version of a chicken-and-rice stew—somewhere between a soup and a risotto. It’s hearty, flavorful, and thick enough to feel like a full meal. Families enjoy it on chilly evenings or gatherings because it stretches ingredients well and makes everyone full and happy.
📝 Ingredients & Measurements
Here are the ingredients and friendly explanations:
• 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 cup rice (rinsed)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 handful cilantro, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sazón seasoning (optional but authentic)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Season the Chicken – Coat your chicken with oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2.Sauté Aromatics – In a pot, heat oil and sauté onion, pepper, garlic, and tomato until fragrant.
3.Brown the Chicken – Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
4.Add Tomato Paste – Stir in tomato paste for color and depth.
5.Add Liquid & Rice – Pour in broth and add rice. Stir to avoid sticking.
6.Add Vegetables – Include sliced carrots and sazón seasoning.
7.Simmer Until Thick – Cook on medium until rice softens and the stew becomes thick.
8.Finish with Cilantro – Stir in cilantro and squeeze a bit of lime before serving.
💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
• Don’t let the rice stick—stir occasionally, especially in the first 15 minutes.
• Adjust thickness—add water if it gets too thick.
• Use bone-in chicken—for deeper flavor.
• Don’t skip lime—it brightens the entire dish.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but bone-in gives more broth flavor.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Sure! Add a chopped chili or pinch of pepper flakes.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
Add warm water because the rice absorbs liquid overnight.
🧾 Summary
Asopao de Pollo is filling, soulful, and perfect when you want a creamy stew-like soup that warms your mood instantly.
🍗 Recipe 2 — Caldo de Pollo Dominicano (Traditional Dominican Chicken Soup)
🍜 About This Recipe
This recipe replaces Sancocho and is a lighter, everyday Dominican chicken soup. Think of it as the Dominican version of “healing soup”—the kind families make when someone is tired, sick, or simply craving something warm. It’s comforting, aromatic, and filled with vegetables and tender chicken.
📝 Ingredients & Measurements
• 1 whole chicken cut into pieces or 1½ lbs mixed chicken parts
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 potato, cubed
• 1 ear of corn, cut into 3–4 pieces
• 1 green plantain, sliced
• ½ onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 handful cilantro
• 8 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Lime for serving
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Season Chicken – Rub chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2.Sauté Base Vegetables – Heat oil in a pot and cook onion, garlic, bell pepper until fragrant.
3.Add Chicken – Brown slightly to lock in flavor.
4.Add Liquid – Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.
5.Add Starches – Include corn, plantain, potatoes, and carrots.
6.Simmer – Cook for 35–45 minutes until vegetables are tender.
7.Finish with Cilantro – Add cilantro and simmer 5 more minutes.
8.Serve Warm – Add fresh lime juice before eating.
💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
• Don’t boil too hard—gentle simmer = clearer broth.
• Use cilantro stems—they add extra aroma.
• Avoid overcooking plantains—they may dissolve.
• Add potatoes last if you want them more intact.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I add noodles?
Yes! Some families add thin noodles for texture.
Q: Why add plantains?
They add natural sweetness and body to the broth.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Just avoid freezing potatoes—they may become grainy.
🧾 Summary
Caldo de Pollo Dominicano is simple, nourishing, and a must-make when craving a clean, flavorful, comforting Dominican soup.
🎃 Recipe 3 — Sopa de Auyama (Dominican Pumpkin Soup)
🥄 About This Recipe
This creamy pumpkin soup made from Caribbean auyama (a type of squash) is silky, rich, and beautiful in color. It’s a favorite comfort dish, especially during cooler weather or as a light weekday dinner.
📝 Ingredients & Measurements
• 2 lbs Dominican auyama or butternut squash
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 4 cups water or broth
• ½ cup milk (optional for creaminess)
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Prepare Vegetables – Peel and chop auyama and vegetables.
2.Sauté Aromatics – Cook onion and garlic until fragrant.
3.Add Vegetables & Liquid – Add auyama, carrots, celery, then pour water or broth.
4.Simmer – Cook until vegetables are soft.
5.Blend – Blend until silky smooth.
6.Add Milk – Stir in milk for extra creaminess.
7.Adjust Seasoning – Add salt/pepper if needed.
💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
• Don’t skip sautéing—it builds flavor.
• Blend well for a velvety texture.
• If too thick—add broth.
• If too thin—simmer longer.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use butternut squash?
Yes, it’s a perfect substitute.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Just skip the milk; the soup will still be delicious.
Q: Can kids eat this?
Of course! It’s sweet, mild, and nutritious.
🧾 Summary
Sopa de Auyama is smooth, creamy, and perfect for anyone who loves naturally sweet, veggie-forward soups.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Homemade Dominican soups are easier than most people think. With simple ingredients, basic techniques, and a little patience, you can recreate authentic Dominican comfort dishes right in your kitchen.
Try each recipe one at a time, enjoy the process, and share your results with friends or family. Cooking is not just about following steps—it’s about creating warm moments and memories around the table.
| 🇩🇴 🍲 < Back | Next > 🍲 |