Sopa a la Minuta, also known as Sopa Criolla, is one of these Peruvian comfort foods that just makes us feel home, warms us on cold and cloudy days, nourishes and revitalizes us and has the power to make everything better. And the good thing: as the name of this hearty Peruvian beef and noodle soup already suggests, it can be easily prepared in no time with readily available ingredients.
Except perhaps aji panca. This Peruvian chili gives the soup its characteristic red color and a distinctive nice spiciness. Those looking for the authentic Peruvian flavor can find aji panca paste or powder in Latin American food stores in numerous cities around the globe or as well in one of the countless online shops. If you can´t get it, either just leave it out or substitute with another not overpowering red medium heat chili (cayenne pepper for example works quite well, but go easy with it).
And what makes below recipe for Peruvian Sopa a la Minuta even more delicious, are the home-made croutons. Don’t worry, really easy to make and prepared in five minutes while the soup is simmering.