Mexican Shell Pasta Soup (Printable)
Comforting Mexican shell pasta in a rich, flavorful tomato broth with traditional seasonings.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 cup small shell pasta (conchas)
→ Vegetables & Base
02 - 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
03 - 1/4 small white onion, chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic
05 - 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
06 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Seasonings
07 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
→ Garnishes
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
11 - 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Combine the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a blender and puree until completely smooth.
02 - Heat the vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the shell pasta and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Pour the blended tomato puree through a fine mesh strainer into the pot with the toasted pasta. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
04 - Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and season with salt, black pepper, and cumin. Stir thoroughly and bring to a gentle boil.
05 - Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the broth has slightly thickened.
06 - Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The secret is toasting the pasta first, which adds a nutty depth that surprises everyone who tries it.
- It comes together in thirty minutes with ingredients you probably already have sitting in your kitchen.
02 -
- Do not skip the toasting step because untoasted pasta will turn gummy and the soup will taste flat.
- Straining the tomato blend is the step that gives the broth its clean, silky texture, so resist the urge to skip it.
03 -
- Toast the pasta a shade darker than you think is right because it continues cooking in the broth and you want that nutty flavor to survive the simmer.
- If your tomatoes are not very ripe, add a small spoonful of tomato paste to the blender to boost the color and sweetness.