Ajiaco de Verduras con Queso Cotija

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, vegetable-packed soup with a rich cheese crust, featuring seasonal produce simmered to perfection. This latin american-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs diced zucchini, diced carrots, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat, add 1/4 cup diced yellow onion and 1/2 cup diced carrots, and cook for 4 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced zucchini and 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, sauté for 3 minutes, then pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1/4 tsp sea salt; bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 12 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat, blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender, then return to low heat.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, cook for 2 more minutes until heated through, then ladle into bowls and top with 2 tbsp crumbled cotija cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ajiaco de Verduras con Queso Cotija take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ajiaco de Verduras con Queso Cotija?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ajiaco de Verduras con Queso Cotija?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ajiaco de Verduras con Queso Cotija for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Ajiaco de Verduras con Queso Cotija vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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