Easy Mexican Star Soup (Sopa de Estrellas): A Comforting Classic

George

Star Soup is a perfect example of how simple recipes create the best comfort food. Growing up, my mom would make sopa de estrellas, and it instantly became a family favorite. Tiny pasta stars, rich broth, and fresh vegetables make it nourishing and fun to eat, just like this comforting Grilled Chicken Paillard.

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)
Chicken Broth (or Stock)
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to original creators.

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
Making the Burger Sauce
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to original creators.

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-Shaped Pasta (Estrellitas)
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to original creators.

Star pasta is the heart of this dish. The brand ‘La Modernais 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

Star Pasta
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to original creators.

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 wordsmilagu(pepper) andtanni(water), referring to a spicy, peppery broth popular in South Indian cuisine.
Star Soup

Star Soup

Discover the ultimate guide to making Mexican Star Soup (Sopa de Estrellitas). This comforting dish combines star-shaped pasta, chicken broth, and fresh veggies for a hearty meal. Learn about ingredients, flavor variations, storage tips, and what to serve with it. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is easy, customizable, and packed with bold flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Soup
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 -8
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 soup pot
  • 1 Dutch Oven or Large Pot Ideal for sautéing and simmering the soup.
  • 1 1 blender
  • 1 Ladle For serving the soup easily.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon Perfect for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 cup sweet onion diced small
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ – 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • few turns cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 14 ounces whole peeled tomatoes canned with juice
  • 4 cups chicken broth or chicken bone broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 7 ounce star pasta dry, 7-ounce bag, linked above

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the Base Ingredients: Grab a Dutch oven or large soup pot and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, then sauté until soft and fragrant. Season with salt, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of oregano. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
  • Blend the Tomatoes: Add whole peeled tomatoes with their juice to the pot and stir well. Once heated through, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth with no lumps. Pour the puree back into the Dutch oven, then add chicken bone broth and water. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to develop the flavors.
  • Toast the Pasta: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the dry star-shaped pasta and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns slightly golden brown. This step adds a rich, nutty flavor to the pasta.
  • Combine and Finish the Soup: Add the toasted pasta to the hot soup and stir well. Simmer until the pasta is tender, usually about 6-8 minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. If the soup thickens too much, add more broth to loosen it up. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Calories: 260-300 kcal | Protein: 8-12g | Carbohydrates: 32-38g | Fat: 10-12g | Saturated Fat: 2-3g | Cholesterol: 10-20mg | Sodium: 500-700mg | Fiber: 2-4g | Sugar: 4-6g | Calcium: 30-50mg | Iron: 1-2mg | Vitamin A: 500-700 IU | Vitamin C: 10-15mg

Nutrition Notes (Based on Ingredients)

  1. Chicken Broth adds protein and essential minerals like sodium and potassium.
  2. Star Pasta provides carbohydrates for energy but can be substituted with whole wheat pasta for more fiber.
  3. Olive Oil is a healthy fat source, rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
  4. Onions, Garlic, and Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and fiber, supporting immune health.
  5. Optional Add-Ins like shredded chicken can boost the protein content, while parmesan cheese adds calcium and flavor.
This nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

George

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