If you’re craving a comforting bowl of homey, soul-soothing soup, you can’t go wrong with this classic Sopa de Fideo Recipe. This Mexican favorite blends perfectly toasted fideo noodles with a vibrant tomato-based broth, accented by fragrant aromatics and warm spices. It’s a simple yet utterly satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential—they provide vibrant color, deep flavor, and that perfect texture that makes Sopa de Fideo Recipe truly extraordinary.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used to toast the noodles for a rich, nutty flavor that forms the soup’s base.
- 1 cup fideo noodles (or vermicelli pasta): These thin noodles soak up the broth beautifully and give the soup its signature texture.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and a subtle pungency that balances the tomato richness.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 medium fresh tomatoes, blended): Provides vibrant color and a fresh, tangy tomato base.
- 1 (4 oz) can tomato sauce: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the broth gracefully.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version): The soul of the soup, delivering savory depth and perfect for simmering the noodles.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Lends an earthy, slightly smoky warmth that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a mild heat): Adds just a gentle hint of spice without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbaceous note to round out the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish): Brightens the final dish with fresh, citrusy hints.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional, for serving): Adds a fresh, tangy splash that wakes up every bite.
How to Make Sopa de Fideo Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Fideo Noodles
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the fideo noodles and stir them constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely—they should turn a beautiful golden brown but never burn. This toasting step is super important because it brings out a nutty flavor that makes all the difference.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the noodles are toasted, stir in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook everything for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent. The aroma hitting your kitchen at this point is absolutely wonderful and invites you into what promises to be a comforting meal.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Sauce
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes (or blended fresh tomatoes) and the tomato sauce. Stir carefully and let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes. This lets the tomatoes begin to break down and mingle with the onion, garlic, and toasted noodles, creating that classic rich base.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Seasonings
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, then sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder if using, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Give everything a good stir and bring the soup to a gentle boil. This step is crucial to blend those beautiful spices and deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the fideo noodles are tender and have soaked up the flavorful broth. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning here—it’s all about that perfectly balanced final bowl.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Before serving, add fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice on top if you like. That hint of bright herbaceousness and tang elevates the sopa de fideo to a whole new level of delicious.
How to Serve Sopa de Fideo Recipe
Garnishes
One of the best parts about serving Sopa de Fideo Recipe is the garnish options. Fresh chopped cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness, while a wedge of lime squeezed just before eating brings a zesty pop that awakens the entire bowl. Consider also adding sliced avocado or a sprinkle of queso fresco for extra creaminess and texture.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm corn tortillas or crusty bread to scoop up every last bit. For a more complete meal, serve alongside a crisp salad or some grilled veggies to balance the warm, hearty flavors of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve your Sopa de Fideo Recipe in rustic earthenware bowls with a small plate of garnishes on the side, allowing everyone to customize their soup. You can also turn it into a light appetizer by ladling small servings into decorative mugs or mini bowls, perfect for casual parties or cozy gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sopa de fideo stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up some broth as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back that silky consistency.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this soup, it is best to keep the broth and noodles separate if possible, since fideo noodles can become a bit mushy after freezing. Otherwise, freeze the fully mixed soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat Sopa de Fideo Recipe on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a small amount of chicken or vegetable broth can refresh the texture and flavor. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the noodles gummy.
FAQs
What can I use if I don’t have fideo noodles?
If fideo noodles aren’t available, vermicelli pasta or thin angel hair pasta work great as substitutes. Just break them into shorter pieces to resemble fideo. The key is choosing a thin pasta that will cook quickly and soak up the broth.
Can I make Sopa de Fideo Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and skip any meat additions. The tomato, garlic, onion, and spices create such rich flavor that it stands beautifully on its own as a vegetarian soup.
Is this soup spicy?
The traditional Sopa de Fideo Recipe is mild, but the optional chili powder adds a gentle warmth. You can always omit it or add your own preferred spice level based on taste. It’s a very forgiving and adaptable recipe.
How long does it take to make this soup?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 minutes total—5 minutes prep and roughly 20 minutes simmering. It’s a quick and rewarding recipe that’s perfect for busy days.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Definitely! Some shredded chicken or browned ground beef can turn this into a heartier meal. Just add cooked protein toward the end of simmering so it warms through without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something magical about a warm bowl of Sopa de Fideo Recipe that feels both nourishing and delightful. Its simplicity hides incredible depth of flavor, and it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Give this dish a try—you may just discover your new favorite comfort food.
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Sopa de Fideo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Sopa de Fideo is a comforting and flavorful Mexican noodle soup featuring toasted vermicelli noodles simmered in a rich tomato and chicken broth base, seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and oregano. This easy-to-make recipe yields a warm and satisfying dish perfect for any day, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup fideo noodles (or vermicelli pasta)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 medium fresh tomatoes, blended)
- 1 (4 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a mild heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the Fideo: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat.
- Brown the Noodles: Add the fideo noodles and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Take care not to burn them, as this step adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma.
- Add the Tomatoes: Incorporate the canned diced tomatoes or blended fresh tomatoes along with the tomato sauce. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to meld with the other ingredients and develop their juices.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in cumin, optional chili powder, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Noodles: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and fully cooked.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Ladle the hot sopa de fideo into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and squeeze lime wedges over the soup to enhance its brightness and flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Chili powder is optional; omit for a milder soup or increase slightly for more heat.
- Toasting the noodles is a crucial step that enhances the soup’s nutty flavor, so be careful not to skip or burn them.
- Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned for a fresher taste; blend them before adding.
- Garnishing with cilantro and lime adds a refreshing touch but can be omitted if preferred.
