Sopa de Fideo

Sopa de Fideo, a classic Mexican noodle soup, is the ultimate comfort food. This easy recipe features tender noodles simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato broth. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.

What You’ll Need: Sopa de Fideo Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup fideo pasta (small vermicelli noodles)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled cheese, sour cream

Let’s Get Cooking: Making Your Sopa de Fideo

1. Toast the Noodles: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the fideo pasta and cook, stirring constantly, until the noodles are lightly browned and fragrant. This step is crucial as it adds a nutty flavor to the soup. Be careful not to burn them! Aim for a golden-brown color.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the toasted noodles. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. Build the Flavor: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the tomatoes to release their natural sweetness and meld with the onions and garlic.
4. Simmer the Soup: Add the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), chicken bouillon (if using), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, cumin, or chili powder to suit your preference.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the Sopa de Fideo into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Flavor Enhancements

• Prep Shortcut: Pre-chop your onion and garlic to save time. You can even find pre-minced garlic in jars at most grocery stores.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a touch of heat.
• Deepen the Flavor: For a richer flavor, roast the tomatoes and onions in the oven before adding them to the soup.
• Herbal Infusion: Add a sprig of epazote or Mexican oregano to the soup while it simmers for an authentic flavor. Remove before serving.

Sopa de Fideo Variations

• Chicken Sopa de Fideo: Add shredded cooked chicken to the soup for a heartier meal.
• Vegetable Sopa de Fideo: Add diced carrots, celery, or potatoes to the soup for extra nutrients and texture.
• Spicy Chipotle Sopa de Fideo: Add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.

Dietary Adaptations

• Vegan Sopa de Fideo: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the chicken bouillon.
• Gluten-Free Sopa de Fideo: Use gluten-free noodles, such as rice noodles or quinoa pasta.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Make-Ahead Advice & Storage

Sopa de Fideo is a great make-ahead meal! You can prepare the soup up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Keep in mind that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may become a bit soft, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Bowl of Sopa de Fideo

This Sopa de Fideo recipe is more than just a simple soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. The toasted noodles, the savory broth, and the customizable toppings make it a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Mexico in every spoonful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Question: Can I use different types of pasta for Sopa de Fideo?
  Answer: While fideo is traditional, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo. However, the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
• Question: How can I make the soup thicker?
  Answer: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked tomatoes against the side of the pot or blend a small portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.