Mote De Queso Recipe

Cook Time: 55 minutes  

   Prep Time: 15 minutes

Mote De Queso Ingredients

Mote De Queso Instructions

  1. Peel the yam and cut it into small, even dice to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Place the diced yam in a large pot and cover with 6 cups of chicken or vegetable stock. Add the bay leaf and a generous pinch of salt.
  3. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer until the yam is very tender, about 20-25 minutes.
  4. Remove the bay leaf. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked yam to a blender with about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  5. In a separate large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, scallions, and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Add the chopped tomato, cumin, paprika, and black pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring often, until the tomato breaks down and the mixture is thick and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
  7. Pour the blended yam mixture and the remaining cooking liquid into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine.
  8. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. Add the cubed white cheese to the simmering soup. Stir gently and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to soften but not fully melt.
  10. Stir in the heavy cream and half of the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  11. Simmer for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
  12. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with the remaining cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

Estimated Calories: 350, Servings: 6

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Storage Tips

When considering storage, the best approach for Mote De Queso is to let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The aroma of the soup, rich with cheese and subtle herbs, lingers in the container, promising a delicious experience even after a day or two. For a healthy and easy meal prep, storing it in individual portions makes for a quick lunch or dinner, and the texture of the cheese remains pleasantly creamy if handled with care.
Shelf life is a good concern with this recipe, as dairy-based soups can spoil faster than others. Mote De Queso keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining its great flavor and hearty consistency. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is a fast and effective option, though the cheese may lose some of its original texture, becoming slightly grainy but still tasty and satisfying.
Reheating is an art with this dish, as you want to preserve the best qualities of the soup. Gently warming it on the stove over low heat is the most delicious way to revive the flavors, allowing the aroma to bloom and the cheese to melt smoothly back into the broth. A quick stir now and then ensures even heating, and the result is a bowl that tastes almost as good as when it was first made, with the comforting, savory notes of the original recipe shining through.

Mote De Queso Story

The first time I made this dish, the kitchen filled with a warm, inviting aroma that seemed to wrap around me like a familiar embrace. My grandmother, who had always been the best cook in our family, watched from her favorite chair, her eyes lighting up with every step I took. As the recipe came together, she shared stories of her childhood, her voice soft but clear, and I realized how food could be a bridge between generations. The texture of the finished dish was comforting, and the flavors were both bold and subtle, a delicious reminder of the love that had always simmered in her kitchen.
On a rainy afternoon, I invited a friend over for a quick lunch, hoping to impress with something both healthy and satisfying. The dish came together fast, and as we sat down, the first spoonful brought a smile to her face. The creamy consistency and the gentle tanginess sparked a conversation about our favorite comfort foods, and soon we were swapping stories and laughter. It was easy to see how a good meal could turn a simple gathering into a great memory, the kind that lingers long after the plates are cleared.
Later, I found myself sharing the same recipe with a stranger at a community event, drawn together by the unmistakable scent wafting from the pot. We bonded over our mutual appreciation for dishes that are both nourishing and full of character. The experience reminded me that sometimes, the best connections are forged over something as simple as a shared meal, where the flavors speak for themselves and the act of sharing becomes its own reward.

Healthy Mote De Queso Tips

If you're looking to give your favorite Colombian Mote De Queso recipe a health boost without sacrificing that authentic, homemade flavor, let's start with the ingredients. Swap out the traditional full-fat cheese for a lighter, low-fat version or even a plant-based cheese if you're feeling adventurous. This simple change keeps the dish delicious and creamy, but with a fraction of the guilt-your arteries will thank you, and your taste buds won't even notice the difference! For the yuca, opt for steaming instead of frying, preserving all the natural goodness and keeping the texture perfectly tender. The aroma of simmering yuca and cheese, mingling with fresh herbs, will still fill your kitchen with that unmistakable, mouthwatering scent-just with a little more health and a little less cholesterol.
Now, let's talk about the broth. For the best, easy, and quick health upgrade, use a homemade vegetable stock instead of a heavy, sodium-laden store-bought version. This not only makes your Mote De Queso recipe taste more authentic and fresh, but it also lets you control the salt content-your blood pressure will be doing a happy dance! Toss in extra veggies like carrots, celery, or even spinach for a tasty, nutrient-packed twist. The result? A bowl that's brimming with color, flavor, and health, with every spoonful delivering a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and garden-fresh vibrance.
Finally, don't forget the finishing touches-those little tips that make your Colombian-inspired Mote De Queso the best, most health-conscious version yet. Drizzle a bit of heart-healthy olive oil instead of butter, and sprinkle in fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of green and a pop of flavor. The texture remains luxuriously smooth, the aroma is as inviting as ever, and the taste? Utterly irresistible, with a lightness that lets you go back for seconds (or thirds) without a second thought. With these easy, quick, and simple tweaks, you'll have a homemade, authentic, and healthy Mote De Queso recipe that's perfect for any occasion-your body and your palate will both be singing your praises!

About Mote De Queso Recipe

Mote De Queso is a beloved Colombian dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. The first time I tried this authentic recipe, I was amazed by how easy and quick it was to prepare, yet the flavors were so rich and delicious. Using simple ingredients like yam, cheese, and a few spices, I discovered how to make a homemade version that tasted just like the best ones served in the heart of Colombia. The aroma that filled my kitchen was absolutely mouthwatering, and every spoonful was a reminder of the country's vibrant culinary traditions.
What makes this Mote De Queso recipe truly special is its perfect balance of creamy texture and savory taste. I followed some essential tips from Colombian friends to ensure the cheese melted just right, creating a tasty and satisfying soup. The best part was sharing this dish with family and friends, who couldn't believe how authentic and flavorful it was. If you're searching for a quick and easy way to bring a taste of Colombia into your home, this recipe is the answer. The combination of fresh ingredients and a few simple steps makes it accessible for cooks of all levels.
Every time I make this homemade Mote De Queso, I'm reminded of the joy that comes from preparing and sharing food that's both delicious and meaningful. The recipe is not only easy to follow but also offers plenty of room for personal touches, making it the perfect dish for experimenting with different ingredients or serving styles. Whether you're new to Colombian cuisine or a longtime fan, these tips will help you create the best, most authentic version of this classic soup. Don't miss the chance to experience the unique flavors and heartwarming comfort of this tasty, traditional recipe!

Mote De Queso History

The cultural origins of Mote De Queso are deeply rooted in the Caribbean coast of Colombia, where the dish is celebrated as a symbol of local identity and hospitality. The aroma of simmering yams and cheese wafts through coastal kitchens, evoking memories of family gatherings and festive occasions. This recipe is a testament to the region's resourcefulness, transforming humble ingredients into a delicious and comforting meal. The best part of this tradition is the communal aspect, where sharing a bowl of Mote De Queso is as important as the food itself, making it a good example of how cuisine can bring people together in a quick and easy way.
Over time, the recipe for Mote De Queso has evolved, adapting to changing tastes and the availability of ingredients. Originally, the dish was prepared with locally made cheese and native yams, but modern cooks often experiment with different types of cheese or add a splash of coconut milk for a richer texture. This evolution has made the dish more accessible and fast to prepare, without sacrificing its healthy and hearty qualities. The great thing about this evolution is that it allows for creativity while still honoring the essence of the original, making it easy for home cooks to put their own spin on a classic.
Regional adaptations of Mote De Queso showcase the diversity of Colombian cuisine, with each area adding its own twist to the recipe. In some towns, a touch of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime brightens the flavor, while others might serve it with a side of fried plantains for a delicious contrast in texture. These adaptations highlight the best qualities of the dish, making it a good example of how a traditional recipe can be both healthy and indulgent. The quick and easy preparation, combined with the great variety of regional influences, ensures that Mote De Queso remains a beloved staple across Colombia, celebrated for its comforting aroma and satisfying flavor.