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38 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JANUARY 2025 • Oil for frying, about 1 Tablespoon (just enough to cover the pan bottom) • 1 12-ounce bag or box of medium-shell pasta • 4 ounces tomato sauce (up to 8 ounces if you want a deeper tomato flavor) • 1 medium onion, diced, sliced, or cut up (cook's choice) • 1 small bag of frozen peas and carrots, 1 ½ -2 cups • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock • Salt and pepper, to taste • Garlic (optional), fresh crushed, garlic powder, or garlic salt — cook's choice, 1/2 teaspoon or to taste • Cumin (optional), 1/4 teaspoon or to taste • Cilantro sprigs (a few optional) INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS This month's recipe was submitted by Claudia Rozzi who said it is a staple in her husband's family. It is a tasty and filling tomato-chicken broth pasta soup that is perfect for cool weather. It is also quick and easy to make. This soup goes together so quickly that it is imperative to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to add at the appropriate step. Prep time: Less than 3 minutes; Cook time: 45-50 minutes; Total time: Less than an hour; Serves 4-6 1. Heat oil over medium heat in a 10 to 12-inch skillet on the stove top until oil begins to shimmer (2 - 3 minutes). 2. Oil should just cover the bottom of the skillet. Add dry pasta to the heated oil, toss to coat pasta, then fry until golden and crispy (it should be the color of peanut butter and have a nutty aroma). Stir continuously while frying, 6 - 10 minutes. 3. Once the pasta is golden and crispy, gently add the tomato sauce, onion, peas, carrots, and the chicken or vegetable stock. NOTE: Liquids should just cover the pasta, if more liquid is needed add more stock or water. 4. Add salt pepper, garlic, and cumin to taste. 5. Turn up the heat and bring to a boil while stirring. 6. Once the boiling has started, reduce the heat to low, add the optional cilantro to the top of the pasta. Cover skillet with lid. Let the Conchas mixture simmer for 20 - 25 minutes or until pasta and vegetables are well cooked. Taste to see if the pasta is cooked thoroughly and/or additional seasoning is needed. If pasta is not fully cooked or more seasonings were added stir, then simmer another 5 - 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, let sit for 10 minutes, then stir and serve. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or text me at (951) 275-7081. Sopa de Conchas

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