Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Colombia with this mouthwatering Sopa de Letras con Carne! This hearty letter soup is more than just a meal – it's a warm hug in a bowl that combines tender ground beef, colorful vegetables, and playful letter-shaped pasta. Perfect for chilly days or when you're craving a taste of authentic Colombian home cooking, this recipe is about to become your new family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Colombian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 cup letter pasta
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 potato, diced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook the meat until it's fully browned and no pink remains, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Incorporate the diced carrots and potatoes into the pot, stirring to combine with the meat and aromatics.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the vegetables to simmer until they become tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Add the letter pasta to the pot, stirring gently. Continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mixture of meat, vegetables, and letter pasta.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Use fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Vegetable Prep: Dice your carrots and potatoes into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Broth Boost: For an extra flavor punch, consider using homemade beef broth or adding a beef bouillon cube to enhance the soup's depth.
- Pasta Perfection: Add the letter pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain its shape and texture.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be shy with salt and pepper – taste and adjust as you go to build layers of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight.
- Garnish Options: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
