How to Make Traditional Ecuadorian Locro Soup

Locro is a hearty and delicious potato soup that's popular in Ecuador. It's creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a cool day. This recipe will guide you through making your own authentic locro soup at home.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 8 cups of vegetable broth
• 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed (use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 1 cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (queso fresco is traditional, but Monterey Jack works too)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, cilantro, popcorn

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cumin and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Broth and Potatoes: Pour the vegetable broth into the pot. Add the cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.

3. Mash Some Potatoes: Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash about half of the potatoes directly in the pot. This will thicken the soup and make it creamy.

4. Stir in the Milk and Cheese: Add the milk to the pot and stir well. Then, add the shredded cheese and stir until it's melted and incorporated into the soup.

5. Season and Serve: Season the locro soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices, cilantro, and even popcorn for a traditional Ecuadorian touch!

Enjoy your homemade locro soup! It’s a taste of Ecuador you can make right in your own kitchen.