Bolivian soups and stews are generally very hearty and nutritious. Many use some very surprising ingredients: like bone marrow, peanuts and even plantains. In Western Bolivia (the Andes mountain and valleys region) soups and stews are eaten almost on a daily basis and a typical full meal consists of two or three courses (salad, soup and the main course). In addition, traditional Bolivian food in the Andes is often very spicy. Some believe it's because the climate is cool or cold during most of the year.

In most of northern and eastern Bolivia (hot Amazon tropics) soups and stews are not a part of the daily diet and are eaten only occasionally because the weather is very warm or hot 9-10 months of the year. In addition, meals don't usually include soup prior to the main course. Soups here are usually eaten AS the main course, an more often during the two winter months (June and July). Bolivian soups and stews are very tasty so don't be afraid to try some of these recipes, even if the ingredients sound odd to you. You'll be surprised to find how delicious they really are! You can share your favorite Bolivian recipes too! You'll find many more recipes for Bolivian soups in Spanish here. If you don't speak Spanish, just copy and paste the text into www.translate.google.com