I can’t think of a dish that is more emblematic of Quito than Locro de Papa or Potato Soup.

What is Locro?

In Ecuador, a locro is a thick soup, almost a stew, and its base is potato, specifically the papa chola, a large, starchy, reddish-skinned potato with a pale yellow to white flesh. In the United States, you can replace the Papa Chola with Russet potatoes for this recipe.

Where to Find Locro de Papa

You’ll find Ecuador’s favorite potato soup in any restaurant offering Comida Tipica. Although it is offered as an appetizer, it is hearty enough to make an entire meal. It is especially delicious after a high-altitude hike or touring Quito on a rainy day.

Also, it’s one of the few dishes on an Ecuadorian menu that is almost guaranteed to be vegetarian. I’ve asked many people for their personal recipes and not one used any kind of meat stock to make this soup nor any kind of lard to sauté the ingredients.

Adding Avocado To A Soup?

Locro de Papas was also the first soup I’ve eaten that included chunks of cheese and slices of avocado. At first, the combination threw me. I couldn’t imagine the flavors blending very well, especially the creamy avocado with the creamy soup. But was I ever wrong. I am now tempted to add avocado to many more soup dishes as the combination is divine!

Locro de Papa

  • 3 pounds Papa Chola or Russet Potatoes
  • 1 large white onion
  • 1 tablespoon achiote oil
  • 1 cup of milk, whole milk preferred
  • 1/2 cup whole cream
  • 1/2 round of queso fresco (fresh cheese, found in most American grocery stories)
  • salt
  • pepper
  • avocado, 1/2 per person being served

 

Ingredients for Locro

Prepare the ingredients; dice the white onion; peel and dice the potatoes; dice the cheese into 1/4 inch pieces.

Saute the Onion, Locro de Papas, Potato Soup of Ecuador

Saute the onion in achiote oil until golden and opaque.

Saute the Onion, Locro de Papas, Potato Soup of Ecuador

Add potatoes and saute for a few minutes before adding enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil.

Add the Potatoes, Locro de Papas, Potato Soup of Ecuador

Cook until the potatoes are falling apart. 

Cook until potatoes fall apart, Locro de Papas, Potato Soup of Ecuador

Add milk and cream. Heat through without bringing to a boil. Add cubed fresh cheese.

Add cheese, Locro de Papas, Potato Soup of Ecuador

Ladle the finished soup into bowls and garnish with slices of avocado. Enjoy!

If you would like to see another version of Locro de Papa, check out one of our favorite websites for Ecuadorian recipes, Laylita.com.

Locro de Papas, Ecuadorian Comfort Food