Do you remember those rainy days when your mom made a warm soup that made you feel at home? For many, letter soup isn’t just a dish; it’s a trip down memory lane, a comforting hug in the form of food. And if you’ve ever wondered how to recreate that magic in your own kitchen, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, I’ll guide you step-by-step to prepare a letter soup that will nourish not only your body but also your soul.
What is Letter Soup?
Letter soup is much more than a word game. It’s a comforting soup, made with a tomato, onion, garlic, and broth base, containing small letter-shaped pasta. Imagine it! Each spoonful is like an alphabet of flavors that transports you back to childhood.
This dish is perfect for those days when you need something quick, easy, and flavorful. Plus, it’s ideal for the little ones in the house, who will have fun searching for letters on their plates.
Why Should You Try This Recipe?
- It’s Super Easy: With just a few ingredients and 20 minutes, you’ll have a soup ready to enjoy.
- It’s Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have in the fridge.
- It’s Nostalgic: If you grew up eating letter soup, this recipe will make you feel right at home.
Sopa de Letras: Mexican Alphabet Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups of broth can be chicken, beef, or vegetable
- 3 Roma tomatoes
- ½ white onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 teaspoons of chicken broth or vegetable, if preferred
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 200 grams of letter pasta or any other small pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a blender, combine 1 cup of broth with the tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth concentrate, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Toast the Pasta: In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pasta and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Combine Everything: Pour the tomato mixture into the pot and cook for 3 minutes. Then, add the rest of the broth and bring to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat and cook for 10 more minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve with avocado, fresh cheese, and a squeeze of lemon. Delicious!
Notes
- Customizable: Swap chicken broth for vegetable or beef broth to suit dietary preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: The fun alphabet pasta makes this soup a hit with kids.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Freezer-Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Images Credit: Isabel Eats
Tips for a Perfect Letter Soup
Add Vegetables: If you want to add an extra touch, add a cup of frozen vegetables when you add the broth.
Make it Vegan: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use tomato broth concentrate.
For the Little Ones: Let the children choose the letters of their name on the plate. It will be fun and educational!
Tips & Variations
- Broth Options: Use vegetable or beef broth instead of chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: Toss in 1 cup of frozen vegetables when adding the broth for extra nutrition.
- Smooth Broth: Strain the blended tomato mixture through a fine mesh strainer for a smoother texture.
- Vegan Version: Substitute chicken broth and bouillon with vegetable alternatives for a vegan-friendly dish.
- Toppings: Enhance your soup with avocado, queso fresco, lime juice, black pepper, oregano, or cilantro.
- Pasta Swap: Use conchas (shells) or fideos (bite-sized spaghetti) if alphabet pasta isn’t available.
Enjoy this delicious and nostalgic Sopa de Letras recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Conclusion: Get to Work!
Now that you have the recipe, what are you waiting for to try it? Letter soup is perfect for a quick dinner, a comforting lunch, or even to surprise your guests. And if you have children at home, it will be a guaranteed success!
So, are you ready to play with flavors and letters? Prepare this soup, sit down at the table, and let each spoonful take you to a special place. Enjoy!
Looking for More Easy Mexican-inspired Recipes?
Here are some must-try recipes that bring authentic Mexican vibes to your kitchen:
- Arroz con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding)
- Vegan Soursop Juice (Champola de Guanábana)
- Bean and Cheese Burrito
- Baked Chicken Tacos
- Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker
- Mexican Green Spaghetti Recipe
- Sanditas Mexican Cookie Recipe
- Mexican Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Give these recipes a try and bring the vibrant taste of Mexico to your table!
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this Letter Soup (Sopa de Letras) turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.
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