Description
Sopa de Fideo is a classic Mexican noodle soup featuring toasted vermicelli noodles simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth infused with cumin, garlic, and onion. This comforting and easy-to-make dish serves as a perfect starter or light meal, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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. Add the fideo noodles and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
- 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.
- Add the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes (or blended fresh tomatoes) and the tomato sauce to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and meld with the other ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Noodles: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the sopa de fideo hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Fideo noodles can be replaced with vermicelli pasta if unavailable.
- Adding chili powder is optional and can be adjusted based on your desired spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Make sure not to burn the noodles when toasting; stir constantly.
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges truly enhance the flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
