Description
This traditional Mexican Sopa de Conchas is a comforting tomato-based shell pasta soup, featuring toasted pasta for a unique nutty flavor and a fresh coriander garnish. Perfect for a light, warming meal, it balances simplicity and rich flavors with a homemade tomato and onion sauce and simmered vegetable broth.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 14 oz chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 onion
- 4 1/2 cups vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander or cilantro, for garnish
Pasta
- 9 oz shell pasta
- Olive oil, for toasting the pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: If using fresh tomatoes, roughly chop them along with the onion to prepare for blending.
- Blend the sauce: Place the chopped tomatoes and onion in a food processor and blend until you achieve a smooth sauce-like texture.
- Toast the pasta: Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the shell pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta turns a golden brown color. Be careful not to burn it to avoid a bitter taste.
- Add the tomato mixture: Pour in the blended tomato and onion sauce into the pot with the toasted pasta, stir to combine well, and let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes.
- Simmer with broth: After the sauce bubbles for 5-7 minutes, add the vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the pasta: Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, ensuring it is tender but still slightly firm, as it will continue to soften after removing from heat.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the soup immediately, garnishing each bowl with fresh coriander or cilantro for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Toasting the pasta first adds a delicious nutty flavor and depth to the soup.
- Use fresh tomatoes when possible for a brighter, fresher taste; canned tomatoes can be substituted in a pinch.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, adding gradually to balance the flavors.
- For a heartier soup, consider adding cooked beans or vegetables of choice.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta’s perfect texture before it becomes too soft.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Mexican soup, Sopa de Conchas, shell pasta soup, tomato soup, vegetarian Mexican recipe, easy Mexican soup, homemade soup, tomato pasta soup
