Mexican Sopa de Conchas
A cozy, comforting Mexican Sopa de Conchas made with roasted tomatoes, carrots, celery, and toasted shell pasta in a rich vegetable broth. Perfect for a simple, heartwarming meal the whole family will love.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 5 Roma tomatoes halved
- ½ medium white onion quartered
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package shell pasta
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2-3 sprigs cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Vegan queso fresco
- Avocado cubes
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
Roast the Tomatoes and Onion:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Arrange the halved tomatoes and quartered onion on a baking sheet. Roast for approximately 15 minutes, or until softened with slight charring for enhanced flavor.
Prepare the Broth:
- Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic cloves into a blender. Blend on high speed until completely smooth. For a silkier broth, consider straining the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
Toast the Pasta:
- In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shell pasta and toast it, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes or until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Remove the toasted pasta from the pot. Add the diced carrot and celery, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Simmer the Soup:
- Return the toasted pasta to the pot along with the blended tomato mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cilantro sprigs. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 7-8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with optional garnishes such as vegan queso fresco, avocado cubes, lime wedges, and additional chopped cilantro.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the regular shell pasta with a certified gluten-free shell pasta. Monitor the cooking time carefully as gluten-free pasta can vary in texture and may require a slightly shorter cooking time.