Description
This traditional Mexican Sopa de Conchas is a comforting tomato-based shell pasta soup featuring toasted pasta shells simmered in a flavorful broth with garlic, onion, and cumin. Quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal, it’s garnished with fresh cilantro and lime for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups small shell pasta (conchas)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ small white onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce (or blended tomatoes)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro (optional, for serving)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Toast the Pasta: Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the small shell pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta turns golden brown and slightly toasted, about 5–7 minutes. This step adds a rich nutty flavor to the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped white onion. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onion softens.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce or blended tomatoes and stir to coat the toasted pasta evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Simmer Soup: Add the chicken broth to the saucepan. Season with ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the sopa warm, garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime for extra brightness if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- To make your own tomato sauce, blend fresh tomatoes with a bit of onion and garlic.
- Be sure to toast the pasta evenly to prevent burning and to release a toasty flavor.
- This soup is best served immediately to enjoy the texture of the pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
