Sopa de Conchas Recipe
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.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
Calories: 200 kcal
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 15g
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.