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Vegetarian, Americas

Mote de queso (Colombian cheese and yam soup)

Mote de queso is a thick Colombian soup made with yam and fresh cheese, serving 4, ready in 55 minutes, rated easy, for €2.40 per person. Its success relies on mashing part of the yam near the end of cooking to thicken the broth naturally, and melting the cheese off the heat so it stays soft.

Mote de queso comes from Colombia's Caribbean coast, a thick soup of yam and fresh cheese, mild, fragrant, and comforting.

Mote de queso (Colombian cheese and yam soup)
Total time
55 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.40
Calories per person
580 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall

The yam softens slowly in a broth of leeks and garlic, then turns into a thick, mellow soup that feels creamy without a drop of cream. Fresh salty cheese adds contrast, warm soft chunks that melt into every spoonful. Lime and cilantro brighten everything at the end, keeping the soup light despite its generous texture.

This is a good dish for a cool fall or winter evening, when you want something warm and filling without spending the whole night in the kitchen. Mon Chou likes to suggest it on weeknights, since everything cooks in one pot and needs little attention. It also works for a simple dinner with friends, served with bread and extra fresh cilantro on the side.

The ingredients

4 people

Fruits and vegetables

  • Yam or sweet potato 800 g
  • Leek 2
  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • Lime 1
  • Cilantro 0.5 bunch

Dairy

  • Feta or fresh salty cheese 250 g
  • Butter 30 g

Pantry

  • Water 1.2 l
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Peel the yam and cut it into large cubes, slice the leeks thinly and chop the garlic.

    Wear gloves if the yam irritates your hands.

  2. Melt the butter, then sweat the leeks and garlic without browning them. 6 min

    Keep the heat gentle, neither golden nor brown.

  3. Add the yam and water, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently until tender. 30 min

    The pieces should mash easily with no resistance.

  4. Mash about half the yam right in the soup to thicken it.

    Do this directly in the pot with a potato masher.

  5. Off the heat, crumble the cheese into the soup, add the lime juice and cilantro, and serve right away.

    Don't let the cheese boil, it turns tough and rubbery.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick a firm yam with no soft spots, it holds up better during cooking and mashes more evenly into a chunky puree.
  • Taste before adding salt to the cheese in the soup, feta is already salty and may be enough on its own.
  • Add the lime juice at the very last moment, its brightness fades fast if the soup is still very hot.

The variations

  • Swap the yam for sweet potato, as the recipe allows, for a sweeter taste and the same creamy texture.
  • Use a fresh salty cheese like queso fresco instead of feta for a result closer to the original Colombian dish.
  • For a quicker version, cut the yam into smaller cubes, cooking time drops to about 20 minutes.

What to serve it with

  • Crusty bread or arepas
  • Sliced avocado on the side
  • Iced tea or limeade

Storage

This soup keeps 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It freezes well without the cheese, which you should add only when reheating. Warm it gently over low heat, stirring, and avoid boiling once the cheese is in.

Questions about this dish

Can you make mote de queso ahead of time?

Yes, cook the yam soup up through the mashing step and keep it in the fridge. Add the cheese, lime juice, and cilantro only when serving so they keep their texture and freshness.

Can this soup be frozen?

Yes, but without the cheese, which turns grainy once thawed. Freeze the yam base, then crumble in fresh cheese after reheating.

What can replace feta if you can't find it?

A fresh salty cheese like queso fresco, or even a mild sheep's cheese, works well. The key is choosing one that holds its shape instead of melting completely into the soup.

Why mash only half the yam?

It thickens the soup naturally while keeping some whole chunks for texture. If you prefer a fully smooth soup, mash all of it or blend the whole pot.

How long does it take to make a mote de queso?

Count 55 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a mote de queso?

About 580 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a mote de queso cost?

About €2.40 per serving, or €9.60 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains lactose. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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