Toasted Pasta Mexican Tomato Soupe
This Toasted Pasta Mexican Tomato Soup is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that brings a taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. Inspired by memories of vibrant markets and warm street stalls, this rich and hearty soup combines toasted pasta with a smooth, savory tomato base. Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions are blended into a vibrant puree that infuses the dish with depth and richness, while the toasting process adds a delightful nutty flavor to the pasta. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a warming lunch, this soup is incredibly versatile - feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins for a heartier meal. Serve it topped with fresh cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of freshness and enjoy a bowl of comfort that celebrates the love of homemade cooking.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry pasta
1 cup (preferably small in size)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for toasting pasta)
tomatoes
3 small (cored and chopped)
garlic
1 clove (peeled and smashed)
white onion
1/4 cup (diced)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
chicken broth
1 quart (or broth of choice)
hot sauce
1 dash (to taste)
Instructions
1
1. In a 2-quart or larger saucepan, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the dry pasta, stirring frequently to ensure even toasting. This process should take about 5-8 minutes until the pasta turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
2
2. While the pasta is toasting, combine the cored and chopped tomatoes, smashed garlic clove, and diced onion in a blender or use an immersion blender in a large measuring cup. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
3
3. Once the pasta is toasted, carefully add the tomato puree to the saucepan. Be cautious as the mixture may splatter. Stir the pasta gently until it is well-coated with the puree.
4
4. Season the pasta and puree with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue cooking while stirring frequently until the pasta absorbs the flavors and the mixture thickens, approximately 7-10 minutes.
5
5. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring well. Allow the soup to come to a gentle simmer, cooking the pasta through for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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6. Finish the soup by adding a few dashes of your preferred hot sauce, adjusting to taste. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or thinly sliced green onions if desired.
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OPTIONAL: For a more substantial meal, consider adding 1 cup of thawed frozen sweet corn, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, or thinly sliced cabbage when placing the broth. You can also add fresh lime juice or shredded cooked chicken or pork.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Toasted Pasta Mexican Tomato Soupe?
It is a rich and hearty fusion soup that combines toasted pasta with a savory tomato base, inspired by traditional Mexican flavors.
How long should I toast the pasta?
The pasta should be toasted for about 5-8 minutes until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Small-sized dry pasta is preferred for this soup to ensure it toasts evenly and fits well in a spoonful.
How do I know when the pasta is perfectly toasted?
Look for a golden brown color and a distinct nutty smell, but monitor it closely to avoid burning.
What goes into the tomato puree?
The puree consists of three small cored and chopped tomatoes, one peeled and smashed garlic clove, and 1/4 cup of diced white onion.
Can I use an immersion blender for the tomato mixture?
Yes, you can use either a standard blender or an immersion blender in a large measuring cup to make the mixture smooth.
Do the tomatoes need to be cored and chopped?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the three small tomatoes should be cored and chopped before blending.
How long do I cook the pasta in the tomato puree?
After adding the puree to the pasta, cook and stir frequently for approximately 7-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
What type of broth is recommended?
One quart of chicken broth is recommended, though you can use any broth of your choice.
How long should the soup simmer?
Once the broth is added, allow the soup to come to a gentle simmer and cook the pasta through for about 15 minutes.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
Yes, you can add a few dashes of your preferred hot sauce at the end, adjusting the amount to your taste.
What vegetables can be added for a heartier meal?
You can add 1 cup of thawed frozen sweet corn, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, or thinly sliced cabbage when adding the broth.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can include shredded cooked chicken or pork to make the soup more substantial.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The soup is best served topped with fresh chopped cilantro or thinly sliced green onions.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a quick weeknight dinner or a warming lunch option.
How much vegetable oil is used for toasting?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How many tomatoes are required?
You will need three small tomatoes for the base of the soup.
What kind of onion is used in the puree?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of diced white onion.
Why is the pasta toasted first?
Toasting the pasta adds a delightful nutty flavor and creates a unique texture in the finished soup.
What size saucepan should I use?
A 2-quart or larger saucepan is recommended for preparing this soup.
Should I stir the pasta while it is toasting?
Yes, you should stir frequently to ensure the pasta toasts evenly and does not burn.
When is the chicken broth added?
The chicken broth is poured in gradually after the pasta has absorbed the tomato puree and the mixture has thickened.
Is salt and pepper used in this recipe?
Yes, the pasta and puree are seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Can I use lime juice in the soup?
Yes, fresh lime juice is an optional addition that can provide an extra burst of freshness.
What is the total amount of broth needed?
The recipe requires 1 quart of chicken broth or your broth of choice.
What texture does the toasting give the pasta?
Toasting gives the pasta a firm, nutty quality that holds up well in the liquid soup base.
Can I add corn to the soup?
Yes, 1 cup of thawed frozen sweet corn is a suggested optional addition for extra heartiness.
When should I add the hot sauce?
Add a few dashes of hot sauce as a finishing touch after the soup has finished simmering.
Is cilantro a good addition?
Yes, you can add 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro during cooking or use it as a fresh garnish at the end.
How should the soup be served?
It should be served hot in bowls, garnished with cilantro or green onions for a fresh presentation.