This homemade oatmeal soup is comforting, easy to make and delicious. Serve it with a light salad and avocado for a complete meal.
As a child I used to dread Sopa de Avena (Oats Soup), but that changed when I moved to the United States and I started craving my grandmother's food! My grandmother didn't use written recipes, so I usually cook her dishes from my memories with her in the kitchen. I might also ask my mom, aunts or uncles for her recipes, but no one ever knows the exact ingredients or amounts that Mamita used. I have been making this oatmeal soup for about 10 years, trying to replicate Mamita's recipe, and I think I am finally getting close!
What is Sopa de Avena?
Is a soup made with oats, vegetables and spices. It's very popular in Colombia and it was one of my grandmother's favorite soups, which she made often. She always used beef broth for her oatmeal soup, but you can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add shredded cooked chicken to this oats soup recipe if you want.
This Colombian-Style Oatmeal Soup is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Just don't forget to serve it with a green salad and avocado on the side.
Ingredients You'll Need
The printable recipe card with full amounts and directions is below.
Vegetables: Scallions, garlic, onions, potatoes, carrots and peas.
Broth: You can use beef, chicken or vegetable broth to make this soup.
Oats: I recommend using quick oats to make this recipe.
Spices: Ground cumin, salt and pepper.
Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley.
How to Make Oatmeal Soup
- Place the scallion, garlic and onion in the blender with ¼ cup of water.
- Place all ingredients in a medium pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add the cilantro and serve warm. Add more broth if necessary.
More Simple Soup Recipes
Fish and Coconut Soup (Sopa de Pescado y Coco)
Chicken and Rice Soup (Sopa de Arroz con Pollo)
Crab and Coconut Soup (Sopa de Cangrejo y Coco)
Oatmeal Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 scallion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 6 cups broth beef, chicken or vegetable broth
- ¾ cup quick oats
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- ½ cup of peas
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Place the scallion, garlic and onion in the blender with ¼ cup of water.
- Place all ingredients in a medium pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add the cilantro and serve warm.
belinda @zomppa
I never thought to use oatmeal for soup - will have to try!
Mayito Castillo
Hola Belinda. Te recomiendo que la prepares para que te des cuenta de lo deliciosa y nutritiva que es esta sopa. Ese es uno de tantos recuerdos que me dejo mi madre.Yo la hago muy amenudo, porq me encanta.
richard
Brings back memories of chilly nights and warm soup in Bogotá. Nice Chamba dish in the pic.
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz
I have never seen oatmeal soup before but I am more than willing to try and it would make a great lunch or quick dinner. Glad you are close to the real taste you remember.
Chris C
Erica, thanks for the memories...... My mom used to make that kind of
soup as well. It is a very good and healthy soup.
OJO for those that need gluten free ideas!!
Angie@Angie's Recipes
Like Belinda, I have never thought of using oats in the savoury soup...and I love the idea. The soup looks awesome.
ela@GrayApron
I have a feeling I would really like this soup! 🙂 ela
grace
i will gladly support any reason to eat peas. 🙂
Jaime Acosta
Wow! I used to eat oatmeal soup as a kid back in Colombia, just like you. I was thinking of making some, Googled "oatmeal soup" and your recipe came back as the first result!
Bookmarking your blog and sharing with my wife!
Winona
I cook for a friend with Mexican tastebuds, so I made albondigas with oatmeal in the meatballs and substituted Italian squash for the veggies. When I make it strictly for myself I will follow your recipe. It is so nice to think of you in Colombia when eating soup!
Bianca
What’s the best chicken broth to use for this
VB
Has anyone tried making this with old fashion oats? If yes, how did you do it?
Anonymous
Thank you, I follow all the steps and the soup is really amazing. Gracias