Sopa de Letras con Pollo (Alphabet and Chicken Soup)

My mom made me all sorts of sopas when I was growing up in Medellín and soups made with pasta were on our table once a week. This simple Sopa de Letras con Pollo was one of my favorite soups growing up. I love to make this soup especially during the fall and winter months or on a cool, rainy day. The alphabet shaped pasta, rather than regular pasta, is a fun addition for both kids and adults!

I find that I love Alphabet and Chicken Soup best when I’m sick and looking for something simple and satisfying, and this Sopa de Letras con Pollo always does the trick. I like to top it with avocado, fresh cilantro and red onion, for a bit of cream and crunch. But honestly, this soup is equally fine on its own.

So the next time you feel like a good, comforting bowl of chicken soup, whether you’re feeling under the weather or perfectly healthy, make this Sopa de Letras con Pollo!

Buen provecho!

Ingredients

(4 to 6 servings)

• 3 chicken breasts with bone
• 1 cup of aliños sauce (see recipe here)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground achiote or sazón with color
• 7 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
• 3/4 cup alphabet shaped pasta, uncooked
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place the chicken in a medium pot and add the cumin, achiote, chicken broth, salt, pepper and aliños. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked and tender.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot and take the meat off the bone. Discard the bones and set the meat aside.
3. Add the carrots, peas, pasta and cilantro to the soup. Cook for about 8 minutes more. Return the chicken to the pot and serve hot.