Sopa de Letras
Sopa de Letras is a easy and simple Mexican Alphabet Soup that’s ready in 20 minutes. It’s a kid friendly soup that even adults can enjoy!
My kids will drop whatever they are doing to have a bowl of sopa de letras. It won’t even matter if it is hot or cold outside, they eat this soup year round!
It’s the same soup base as Sopa de Fideo, but instead uses Alphabet shaped pasta. My kids find it so fun to create words on their spoons.
If you’re looking for a more filling soup try Albondigas, which can also be made with the alphabet pasta in the broth.
Ingredients
The ingredients for Sopa de Letras are minimal and can be found at most local grocery stores.
Chicken Bouillon– I’m using chicken bouillon paste, but traditionally the powder or cubs are used. You can also substitute Chicken broth or Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Tomatoes– I prefer to use fresh roma tomatoes, but you can also use tomato bouillon or canned tomato sauce like el pato.
Alphabet Pasta– I got this pasta at my local grocery store, however you will be able to find it at a Latin grocery store. You can also substitute Vermicelli pasta, Shells, or Star Pasta.
Oil– Use an neutral oil like Avocado or Canola.
How to Make
Start by making the blended tomato sauce. Place halved tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves, chicken bouillon, and water or chicken broth in a blender.
Blend until a smooth sauce forms and set aside.
Add oil to a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the alphabet pasta and toast the noodles in the oil. You want the pasta to develop some browning.
Carefully pour in the blended tomato sauce into the pot. Be careful, it will be hot and may splatter.
Then add the remaining water or chicken broth to the pot. Stir well and place the lid on to simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the lid, and check the pasta to see if it is soft. If it is still had, simmer for a couple more minutes.
Taste the broth for seasoning and add additional salt if needed. If the soup is too thick you can add more water as needed. Adjust the seasoning as well.
How to Serve and Store
The Mexican Alphabet Soup is best served right away. My kids enjoy it with some crumbled queso fresco or sliced avocado.
If I want more protein, I’ll add some shredded chicken to make it more filling.
Store any leftovers in a container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the pasta will expand as it sits. You may need to add more water or broth to thin out the soup.
We also like to enjoy Sopa de Letras with Quesadillas or Taquitos.
Sopa de Letras Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ small White Onion
- 2 Roma Tomatoes halved
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 cup Chicken Broth or Chicken Bouillon and water
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 7 ounce Alphabet Pasta
- 4 cups Chicken Broth or Chicken Bouillon and water
Instructions
- Place onion, tomatoes, garlic, and chicken broth into a blender and blend until smooth, about 20 seconds.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add oil and alphabet noodles. Stir around frequently till noodles develop a light brown color. About 5 minutes.
- Carefully pour in the blended tomato mixture and remaining broth. Stir, cover, and bring to a gentle boil for 10 minutes. Check noodles for softness and serve warm with queso fresco, or avocado slices.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and depends on ingredients and amounts used. Thai Caliente makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
