If you’re looking for something easy yet satisfying, this star soup is perfect for dinner or a quick lunch. I love adding parmesan cheese or a lemon spritz to enhance the flavour, similar to what I do when making Halal Cart Style Chicken. It’s fantastic for kids, and adults adore it too. The soft pasta in a comforting broth makes everyone feel at home—and trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Ingredients You Can Add to Mexican Star Soup (Sopa de Estrellitas)
When it comes to making Mexican Star Soup, the right ingredients can transform a simple bowl into a comforting, flavorful dish. Here’s a list of essential and optional add-ins to make your sopa de estrellas stand out.
Chicken Broth (or Stock)
The base of this recipe is chicken broth, which adds a rich, savoury flavour. You can use store-bought broth, but homemade stock made from whole chicken bones is more nutritious and enhances the original taste.
Onion and Garlic
Sautéed onions and garlic give the star soup a deep, savoury flavour. Peel and mince them before adding to your pan with a little olive oil. This step perfectly seasons the base, making the broth taste authentic and homemade.
Tomato Paste or Diced Tomatoes
To make your Mexican star soup more vibrant and flavorful, add tomato paste or peeled, diced tomatoes. Sauté them with onions to create a sweet and tangy depth, just like in this classic Chicken Fried Rice on the Griddle.
Star-Shaped Pasta (Estrellitas)
Star pasta is the heart of this dish. The brand ‘La Moderna‘ is a popular choice, but you can use any small pasta shape. Cook it separately in salted water before adding it to the star soup to keep it from getting mushy.
Seasonings and Herbs
Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano for a classic Mexican touch. You can also add cracked pepper or a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Chicken (Optional)
If you want to make this star soup heartier, add shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great, or you can cook whole chicken pieces in the broth for added flavour. This makes the soup perfect for feeding families, especially when paired with grilled meats like these Smoked Mississippi Pot Roast.
Pro Tip for Health Benefits
Using organic ingredients like olive oil, tomatoes, and bone broth can boost the nutritional value of this traditional recipe. For more healthy and hearty options, check out Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel for a crispy side.
How to Make Mexican Star Soup (Sopa de Estrellitas)
This Mexican Star Soup is easy to make and perfect for family meals. With simple ingredients, you can enjoy a rich, comforting bowl at any time. Follow these steps to get it just right.
1. Sauté the Base Ingredients
Grab a Dutch oven and heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced onions and garlic and sauté until golden brown. This creates a flavour-packed base for your soup.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in diced tomatoes or tomato paste. Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. You can take inspiration from this spicy Peri-Peri Chicken recipe for extra depth.
3. Pour in the Chicken Broth
Add chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes so the flavours blend beautifully. Use bone broth if you prefer a richer flavor.
4. Add the Star-Shaped Pasta
Stir in the star pasta and cook for 6-8 minutes. Make sure the pasta is tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
5. Adjust the Consistency and Seasoning
Check the soup’s consistency. If it’s too thick, add more broth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice for a brighter taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese or fresh herbs. For a side dish, try these Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls for a spicy, crispy complement to your soup.
Where to Find Star Pasta?
You can easily find star pasta like patina or stelline in most grocery stores. Look in the pasta aisle or check Target for their store-brand options, which often stock stelline in the small pasta section. Some speciality stores may carry La Moderna pasta, a popular brand for Estrellas. For more ideas, check out this comforting Chicken Mignons recipe.
If it’s hard to find locally, try orzo pasta as a substitute. Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart make it easy to order speciality pastas. Check the baby food section or international aisle, as some stores stock star pasta there too.
What to Serve with Star Soup?
Star Soup pairs perfectly with crispy sides like Grilled Steak Pinwheels or Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls for a hearty meal. The comforting broth also complements a fresh Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
For a lighter option, serve it with a sweet finish like Air Fryer Apple Crisp with Gala Apples or add a kick of flavour with Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. These recipes bring balance to your table with a mix of textures and flavours.
Storage Tips
Proper storage ensures your Star Soup stays fresh and tasty for longer. Follow these best practices for storing your leftovers:
- Store any leftover star soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to enjoy.
- You can freeze Sopa de Estrellas for up to 1 to 2 months, but keep in mind that the pasta will become very soft.
- Before freezing, cool the star soup completely and place it in a freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- For best results, the soup lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge if stored properly.
These tips help you make the most of your Stars Soup, ensuring it’s always ready to bring warmth and comfort to your table.
FAQs
- What is the most delicious soup in the world?
Taste varies, but many consider tom yum, pho, or classic chicken soup among the best due to their rich, comforting flavours. - What is Hunza soup called?
It’s called Hunza vegetable soup, a traditional dish from the Hunza region known for its healthy ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and herbs. - What is in minestrone?
Minestrone is packed with vegetables, pasta or rice, and sometimes beans, making it a hearty, nutritious Italian soup. - Why is it called mulligatawny soup?
The name comes from the Tamil words “milagu” (pepper) and “tanni” (water), referring to a spicy, peppery broth popular in South Indian cuisine.
Mexican Star Soup (Sopa de Estrellitas)
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife (for chopping vegetables)
- Cooking thermometer (optional, for chicken)
Ingredients
- 1–1.5 pounds Chicken Broth or Stock Homemade is best for flavor but store-bought works
- 1 each Onion Sautéed, for flavor enhancement
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced, for flavor enhancement
- 1/4 cup Tomato Paste or Diced Tomatoes For added depth and vibrancy
- 1 cup Star-Shaped Pasta (Estrellitas) Cooked separately before adding to soup
- 1/2 teaspoon Oregano Dried, for classic Mexican flavor
- 1 teaspoon Salt To taste
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper To taste
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice Optional for extra brightness
- 1–2 cups Shredded Chicken Optional, adds heartiness to the soup
Instructions
- Sauté the Base Ingredients: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced onion and garlic, sauté until golden brown for flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes (or tomato paste). Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Add the Star Pasta: Stir in the star-shaped pasta and cook for 6–8 minutes until tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to avoid clumping.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: Check the soup’s consistency. If too thick, add more broth. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional shredded chicken, cheese, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges. Enjoy!