Sopa de Conchas Recipe (Mexican Shell Soup)

Sopa de Conchas, or Mexican Shell Soup, is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This delightful soup combines toasted pasta shells with a savory broth enriched by ground beef, sweet corn, and a hint of tomato. The addition of herbs and spices brings out a delicious depth of flavor, making each spoonful satisfying and nourishing.

Quick to prepare, this recipe is not only a family favorite but also a wonderful way to introduce traditional Mexican flavors to your table. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness!

Sopa de Conchas Recipe (Mexican Shell Soup)

Ingredients:

1 pack La Moderna pasta shells

1 can tomato sauce

1/2 lb extra lean ground beef

7 cups water or more if necessary

1 can corn drained

1-2 spoonful knorr chicken tomato

2 tsp crushed oregano or to your liking

Instructions:

Brown ground beef, drain and add seasonings I used granulated garlic, onion powder salt and pepper to taste. Set aside in a bowl.

In a pot add a little oil and your pasta shells toast until golden brown.

Add your water, tomato sauce oregano, knorr, ground beef and corn.

Bring to a rolling boil, cover then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes I like to have a little bite to my shells don’t like them overly soft.

Salt to taste, add to a bowl top with cilantro and add some fresh lime juice.

Notes:

Pasta Shells: Toasting the pasta shells before adding liquid is essential in this recipe. It enhances the flavor of the dish and prevents the shells from becoming too mushy when cooked.

Ground Beef: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the soup adds depth to the flavor. You can also substitute ground beef with other proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or even omit the meat for a vegetarian version.

Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce provides a rich, savory base for the soup. You can adjust the quantity based on your preference for a thicker or thinner broth.

Knorr Chicken Tomato Bouillon: This ingredient is key to achieving the authentic flavor of Sopa de Conchas. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, but be cautious with salt as the bouillon already contains sodium.

Corn: Adding corn gives a sweet contrast to the savory broth. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, depending on what you have on hand.

Oregano: Oregano adds a traditional Mexican herbaceous note to the soup. Feel free to adjust the amount or experiment with other herbs like cilantro or epazote.

Customization: This soup is highly customizable. You can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or potatoes to make it heartier. Adjust the seasoning to your liking with additional spices or fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup with fresh lime wedges, chopped cilantro, or even diced avocado for added freshness and flavor. Warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side make a perfect accompaniment.

Storage: Sopa de Conchas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add more water or broth when reheating.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of pasta shells for this recipe, or does it have to be La Moderna brand?

You can use any brand of pasta shells for this recipe.

La Moderna is suggested in the ingredients list, but other brands will work just fine.

Is there a substitute for knorr chicken tomato if I don’t have it on hand?

If you don’t have knorr chicken tomato, you can substitute it with chicken bouillon or chicken broth for added flavor.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef to make this soup?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as ground turkey may cook faster than ground beef.

What can I serve with Sopa de Conchas to make it a complete meal?

Sopa de Conchas pairs well with a side of rice or a simple green salad.

You can also serve it with some crusty bread or tortilla chips for added texture.

Can I freeze leftover Sopa de Conchas for later?

Yes, you can freeze leftover Sopa de Conchas in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I use any type of pasta for Sopa de Conchas?

Traditionally, conchas (shells) pasta is used for this dish to provide the characteristic texture.

However, you can experiment with other small pasta shapes if you prefer.

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like lentils or tofu for a different flavor profile.

Is it necessary to drain the canned corn before adding it to the soup?

Yes, draining the canned corn ensures that excess liquid is removed, preventing the soup from becoming too watery.

Can I adjust the amount of water in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of water based on your desired consistency.

Start with the recommended amount and add more if you prefer a thinner soup.

How long should I simmer the soup after adding all the ingredients?

Simmer the soup for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Be careful not to overcook the pasta, especially if you prefer it to have some texture.

Can I customize the seasoning to suit my taste preferences?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasonings like oregano, garlic, and salt to your liking.

Cooking is all about personal taste preferences.

Can I garnish the soup with other ingredients besides cilantro and lime juice?

Yes, you can garnish the soup with chopped green onions, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep or freezing?

Yes, this soup is great for meal prep.

You can make a large batch and store it in individual portions for easy reheating later.

It also freezes well for longer storage.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.

For a vegan option, skip the mayonnaise or use a vegan alternative.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Certainly! You can add diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to enhance the nutritional content and add more flavor and texture to the soup.