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Sopa de Conchas (Mexico)

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Sopa de Conchas
Sopa de Conchas

Sopa de Conchas (Mexico)

Sopa de Conchas, a.k.a. Shell Soup, is a broth-based soup with shell pasta, pureed tomatoes, onions and garlic. It's hot, it's full of Mexican flavor and it has pasta. What's not to love?
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 Bowls

Equipment

  • Normal Kitchen Utensils
  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Lb Small or Medium Shell Pasta
  • 2 Quarts Water
  • 6-7 Large, Ripe Roma Tomatoes
  • 1 Medium Yellow or White Onion
  • 6 Cloves Garlic
  • 1/4 C Vegetable Oil
  • 1/4 C Chicken Bouillon
  • Fresh Cilantro (Optional)
  • Lime Wedges (Optional)
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

Instructions
 

  • Peel the onion and garlic. Quarter the onion and tomatoes.
    1 Medium Yellow or White Onion, 6 Cloves Garlic
  • Blend the onion, tomatoes, garlic, bouillon and a teaspoon of salt until smooth. Add a little of the water if need be.
    6-7 Large, Ripe Roma Tomatoes, 1/4 C Chicken Bouillon, Salt and Pepper to Taste
  • Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
    1/4 C Vegetable Oil
  • Add the dry pasta to the hot oil and stir roughly every 30 seconds for 6-7 minutes, until the pasta darkens and begins to give off a nutty aroma.
    1 Lb Small or Medium Shell Pasta
  • Pour in the tomato mixture and water, and crank the heat to high.
    2 Quarts Water
  • Bring the soup to a boil and reduce the heat back to medium. Cook another 15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the froth from blending the tomatoes/onions has cooked off.
  • Test the seasoning for salt and pepper. I'll usually end up adding 1/2 tsp of each.
  • Serve the soup hot , garnished with the (optional) cilantro. I really like to top it with a squeeze of (optional) lime juice, though that may not be super authentic.
    Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges

Notes

If you want the soup more watery, try adding up an extra cup of water at a time, up to an additional quart. I recommend adding an additional teaspoon of bouillon per added cup of water.
You can also replace all the bouillon and water in this recipe with chicken stock. 
Keyword Broth, Conchas, Mexico, Onion, Shells, Soup, Tomato

Dive into the heartwarming world of Sopa de Conchas, a Mexican comfort classic that transcends simplicity. With its origins deeply rooted in Mexican culinary tradition, this dish showcases the timeless appeal of homemade soups.

Shell Soup

Fun fact: “Conchas” means “shells” in Spanish. In this context, it refers to the shell-shaped pasta that makes this soup unique. Sopa de Conchas is a culinary masterpiece born from the fusion of rich flavors and the comforting warmth of a well-made broth.

Originating from Mexican kitchens, this dish has become a symbol of home-cooked goodness. The shell-shaped pasta not only adds visual charm but also cradles the savory broth, creating a delightful texture in every spoonful.

This soup is more than a meal. It is a connection to Mexican heritage. The tradition of gathering around the table to savor a bowl of this soup spans generations.. It is a culinary constant in Mexican households.

As you enjoy the familiar flavors of Sopa de Conchas, remember that each bowl carries the essence of Mexican kitchens. This is where love, tradition, and simple ingredients come together. It’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the culinary journey that brings this classic soup to your table.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast of Mexican cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore new flavors, let Sopa de Conchas be your guide into the heart of a tradition that values the simple joys of a well-made soup. With every spoonful, you’re not just tasting a dish; you’re savoring the rich tapestry of Mexican culinary heritage.

More Mexican Sopas

If you found comfort in Sopa de Conchas, consider exploring more Mexican soup delights. Sopa de Fideo, featuring thin noodles, offers a delightful variation. Additionally, Tortilla Soup, with its robust flavors and crispy tortilla strips, provides another avenue for a satisfying soup experience.

Some content generated with the help of ChatGPT | OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/