Dive into a bowl of warmth and flavor with our easy Mexican Shells Soup, or Sopa de Conchas! This delightful dish, featuring tender conchiglie pasta swimming in a vibrant vegetable broth, is not just a meal—it's a celebration of Mexican cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this comforting soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as delicious as it is simple? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup conchiglie pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of conchiglie pasta, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, fresh cilantro for garnish, and salt to taste.
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the cumin and chili powder, allowing the spices to toast for about 1 minute. This will enhance their flavors and aroma.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot, followed by the 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Next, add the conchiglie pasta to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and add salt as needed to enhance the flavor.
- Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious Mexican Shells Soup!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onion and measure out your spices ahead of time. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
- Customize Your Broth: While vegetable broth works wonderfully, feel free to use chicken broth for a heartier flavor or even a homemade broth if you have it on hand.
- Add Protein: For a more filling soup, consider adding cooked chicken, beans, or even shrimp to the mix. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you sauté the onions.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro! It adds a refreshing touch that elevates the entire dish. You can also top it with avocado slices or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
