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🌟 Why Is Mexican Sopa de Conchas So Comforting?

Have you ever had a soup so simple, yet so nostalgic, that one spoonful instantly feels like home?

Mexican Sopa de Conchas is exactly that. This traditional shell pasta soup is a staple in Mexican households — especially for family dinners and childhood comfort meals. Light, tomato-based, and full of flavor, it’s budget-friendly, quick, and incredibly satisfying.

Also known as sopa de caracolitos in some regions, this soup is made by toasting small shell pasta in oil before simmering in a seasoned tomato broth. That toasting step is what gives it authentic depth.

It’s:

• 🍅 Light but flavorful
• 🍲 Comforting and cozy
• ⏱ Ready in about 30 minutes
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect for the whole family

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🛒 Ingredients

🍝 The Pasta Base

• 1 cup small shell pasta (conchas)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

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🍅 The Tomato Broth

• 2 ripe tomatoes (or 1 cup canned tomato sauce)
• ¼ small onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Salt to taste

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🌿 Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup diced carrots
• 2 tablespoons peas
• Fresh cilantro
• Squeeze of lime

✨ For extra flavor: add a pinch of cumin or a small bouillon cube.

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⏱ Timing

Step	Time
Prep	10 minutes
Cook	20 minutes
Total	30 minutes

Simple and weeknight-friendly.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Blend the Tomato Base

In a blender combine:

• Tomatoes
• Onion
• Garlic

Blend until smooth.

Strain if you prefer a smoother broth.

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Step 2: Toast the Pasta (Important!)

Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.

Add shell pasta and stir constantly until lightly golden (about 4–5 minutes).

✨ This step gives authentic flavor and prevents mushiness.

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Step 3: Add Tomato Mixture

Carefully pour blended tomato mixture into the pot.

Cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

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Step 4: Add Broth & Simmer

Pour in chicken broth.

Add salt and optional vegetables.

Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.

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Step 5: Adjust & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Serve warm.

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💪 Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200–250
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g

Light, comforting, and balanced.

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🌿 Variations

🔹 Creamy Version

Add 2 tablespoons crema at the end.

🔹 Spicy Kick

Add diced jalapeño or chili powder.

🔹 Protein Boost

Add shredded chicken.

🔹 Vegetarian

Use vegetable broth.

🔹 Heartier Version

Add diced potatoes.

Flexible and family-approved.

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🍽 Serving Ideas

Mexican Sopa de Conchas pairs well with:

• Quesadillas
• Tacos
• Grilled cheese
• Avocado slices
• Warm tortillas

It’s also perfect as a starter before enchiladas or rice dishes.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Skipping the pasta toasting step
❌ Overcooking pasta
❌ Not seasoning properly
❌ Adding too much broth
❌ Stirring too little while toasting

Golden pasta = authentic flavor.

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🧊 Storage Tips

Refrigerator

Store up to 4 days.

Reheat

Add splash of broth before reheating (pasta absorbs liquid).

Not ideal for freezing (texture softens).

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🤎 Final Thoughts

Mexican Sopa de Conchas is simple, nostalgic, and full of comforting tomato flavor. With toasted shell pasta and a light, seasoned broth, it’s a staple in Mexican kitchens for a reason. Try it today, leave a comment with your favorite add-ins, and subscribe for more authentic recipes!

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🍲 Simple. Traditional. Comfort in every spoonful. 🇲🇽