Cuban Soups and Stews

Many soups and stews are made with simple pantry staples like beans, corn, beef, pork, and root vegetables, making them easy to prepare at home. Others feature authentic Cuban ingredients like malanga, yuca, and plantains, which can be found at Latin grocery stores.

Whether you’re craving a smoky bean stew, a classic Cuban chicken soup, or a tropical root vegetable soup, this collection has something for every appetite. Click through each recipe for full details!

Cuban Soups and Stews

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is one of Cuba’s most iconic soups—a hearty dish packed with tropical root vegetables like yuca, malanga, boniato, plantains, and pumpkin. It also features flank steak, smoked ham shanks, and pork stew meat, creating a rich, meaty broth. This labor-intensive soup takes about 2½ hours to cook, but the result is worth every minute.

Potaje de Lentejas (Cuban Lentil Stew)

A thick, filling lentil stew made with onions, garlic, smoked pork, tomato paste, potatoes, and pumpkin. Lentils cook faster than other beans, so you can have this wholesome meal ready in just over an hour.

Frijoles Colorados (Cuban Red Bean Soup)

This thick, smoky red bean soup is a staple in Cuban households. Made with ham hocks, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, this dish can be enjoyed as a soup or served over rice. While the prep is easy, the slow cooking process develops incredible flavor.

Crema de Malanga (Malanga Soup)

A velvety-smooth soup made from malanga, a nutty and creamy root vegetable. This simple recipe includes onions, garlic, butter, olive oil, chicken broth, and milk for a rich, delicate flavor. Peeling malanga can be tricky, but we include some helpful tips in the recipe!

Sopa de Res (Cuban Beef Soup)

This Cuban-style beef soup features tender, slow-cooked beef simmered with potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. It’s a one-pot comfort meal, best served over white rice. Cooking time is just under 1½ hours to ensure melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Guiso de Maíz (Cuban Corn Stew)

Cuban corn stew is a hearty, comforting soup featuring fresh corn, potatoes, smoked pork, and a tomato-based broth. The combination of corn cobs and loose kernels adds depth to the flavor. Cooking time is about 1 hour, with a little prep work involved to break down the corn.

Sopa de Pollo (Cuban Chicken Soup)

A true Cuban classic! This homemade chicken soup is made with a rich broth, pumpkin, potatoes, carrots, celery, corn, and fidelini noodles. It takes time to make from scratch, but the deep, homemade flavor is unbeatable.

Sopa de Plátano (Plantain Soup)

A simple yet flavorful soup made with green plantains, onions, garlic, and broth. It has a thick, starchy texture and works well as a starter or light meal.

Caldo Gallego (Cuban-style White Bean Soup)

This Spanish-inspired soup has become a Cuban favorite. It’s loaded with white beans, smoked ham, beef, chorizo, and vegetables. You’ll find it in many Cuban restaurants, but it’s even better when made at home.

Chícharos (Cuban Split Pea Soup)

Also known as sopa de chícharos or potaje de chícharos, this is a thick, smoky split pea soup made with smoked pork, vegetables, and spices. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor.

FAQs About Cuban Soups

More Cuban Recipe Collections

Looking for more classic Cuban dishes? Explore these collections for more inspiration:

• Cuban Chicken Recipes – From pollo a la plancha to arroz con pollo, these dishes are rich in flavor and tradition.
• Cuban Beef Recipes – Includes ropa vieja, picadillo, and other classic favorites.
• Cuban Appetizers and Snacks – Try our empanadas, frituras de malanga, and tostones for the perfect starter.