When the summer comes to an end and the weather begins to change, I start craving foods that keep me warm, like soups and stews. There is an incredible variety of stews and soups in Colombian cuisine that I just love!
One of the soups that I have been craving lately is my mom’s simple Sopa de Letras con Carne (Alphabet Soup). I grew up eating this soup, although as a child, I hated most soups. The only soup I ate without complaining was this Sopa de Letras. So, my mom made it at least once per week using different kind of meats.
If you have kids, I highly recommend this soup. It is easy to make and incredibly delicious. I used beef this time, but you could also use chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Buen provecho!
Ingredients
(4 to 6 servings)
- 1 pound of beef for stew, diced
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup aliños sauce
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Achiote or color
- 1/2 cup dried alphabet pasta
- 5 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime and avocado for serving
Directions
- Place the beef in a medium pot and add the water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the pasta and cilantro.
- Cook for about 45 minutes or until beef is completely tender. Add the pasta and cilantro to the soup. Cook for about 8 minutes more. Serve hot with lime and avocado on the side.
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Velva says
I am definitely a soup/stew girl as the cool weather approaches. This Colombian alphabet soup is delightful and would be perfect for kids.
Velva
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Love the soup season! Your alphabet soup looks warming and soothing. I love it.
Ariadne Petrucelli says
Dear Erica,
I love your blog. I was born in Colombia and raised in the states since I was 2. However at 13 we moved back to Medellin until I was 16. I have a great love for all things Colombian. For years there has been such a void of knowledge about Colombian food. I am so happy you are helping share about Colombian food. There’s another Colombian gal who has published some really nice books named: Patricia McCausland-Gallo.
I have a blog about travel, food, life, dogs, etc. I hope you enjoy it.
thelabyrinthguide.wordpress
Ariadne Petrucelli
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz says
Not sure I ever had an alphabet soup that did not come out of a can lol, yours looks so much better!
Belinda @zomppa says
How fun and ready for the fall this soup is. Perfect season!
grace says
this takes me back to childhood, though i doubt i would’ve appreciated such a delicious broth! 🙂
leidy says
I really like you blog. I was born in Colombia and i raised during the most part of my life.. i really love all Colombia food and you recipes make me easy to cook each one. I spend the most part of my weekends to cook some of Colombia food but now i can cook different foods..
Karen says
We called it alphabet soup and we’d spell out words in the spoon 🙂
Norma - Platanos, Mangoes and Me! says
Fun and I am sure the children love it.