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
Scale
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.
