If you’re craving something comforting, warm, and packed with vibrant flavor, then this Sopa de Fideo Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This traditional Mexican noodle soup is a beautiful blend of toasted fideo pasta, rich tomato broth, and aromatic spices that come together to create a soothing bowl of pure joy. Every spoonful delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors—from the toasty, slightly nutty noodles to the comforting, herb-infused tomato broth. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to cozy up with on a chilly day, this Sopa de Fideo Recipe will fast become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples but each plays a crucial role in building the authentic and vibrant character of the soup. From the toasted fideo noodles that bring a golden crunch to the fragrant cumin and oregano that provide warmth and depth, every component adds something special.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for toasting the noodles to that perfect golden color and adding a subtle richness.
- Fideo noodles: Thin vermicelli-style pasta that crisps up beautifully when toasted, creating a wonderful texture.
- Small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a gentle bite to the base of the soup.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the broth with fragrant, savory notes.
- Diced tomatoes or fresh blended tomatoes: Bring bright acidity and natural sweetness to the soup’s heart.
- Tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the broth slightly for a luscious finish.
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- Cumin: Offers warm, earthy undertones that enhance the overall taste.
- Chili powder (optional): Adds a gentle hint of heat without overwhelming the palate.
- Salt and pepper: The basic seasonings that elevate the natural flavors.
- Dried oregano: A classic herb that complements the tomato and spice beautifully.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): A bright, herbaceous garnish that livens up each spoonful.
- Lime wedges (optional): A squeeze of lime provides a fresh, zesty kick that brightens the soup.
How to Make Sopa de Fideo Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Fideo Noodles
Begin by warming the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your fideo noodles and stir them continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until they reach a gorgeous golden brown. This toasting process is key—it brings a toasty, slightly nutty flavor and adds a lovely texture that turns this simple soup into something extraordinary. Just be careful to keep stirring so they don’t burn.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic alongside the toasted noodles. Sautéing these aromatics until the onions become soft and translucent creates a fragrant base. This step enriches the soup with layers of savory depth, setting the stage for the vibrant tomato broth that’s coming next.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Now, stir in the canned diced tomatoes or freshly blended tomatoes along with the tomato sauce. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and meld with the onion and garlic. This is when that beautiful rich tomato flavor starts to build, thickening the base and infusing it with natural sweetness and tang.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Season
Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth and stir in the cumin, chili powder if you’re using it, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. This step is where your soup’s heart really comes alive. Bring the mixture up to a boil, blending all those fantastic flavors, before reducing the heat to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer Until Perfect
Let the soup simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, until the noodles are tender and fully cooked. During this time, the fideo soaks up the flavorful broth, transforming into tender little bites bursting with tomato goodness and spices. This simmer is vital, so patience here rewards you with that classic comforting texture and taste.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then ladle it into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that fresh, zesty brightness that perfectly balances the warm flavors. Serve your Sopa de Fideo Recipe hot, and enjoy every soul-satisfying spoonful.
How to Serve Sopa de Fideo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime really elevates this soup. The cilantro brings an herbal pop of brightness, while the lime juice adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness, making each bite lively and balanced. For an extra twist, some people love a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or a drizzle of Mexican crema to add creaminess.
Side Dishes
Sopa de Fideo pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm corn tortillas, a crisp green salad, or refried beans. These complement the soup’s light yet satisfying nature without overpowering its delicate flavors. If you’re looking to turn it into a heartier meal, a small quesadilla or grilled chicken makes a perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your Sopa de Fideo in colorful bowls, topped with different garnishes such as sliced avocado or pickled jalapeños can add personality and flair. For festive occasions, consider offering a topping bar with options like chopped onions, radishes, or hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl exactly how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sopa de Fideo keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and textures as much as possible. When you reheat, give it a gentle stir and add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Freezing
This soup freezes fairly well, though the noodles may soften a bit after thawing. To freeze, cool the soup completely and place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for peak flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your Sopa de Fideo slowly over medium heat on the stove to keep the noodles from getting mushy. Stir occasionally and add a little broth or water if needed to loosen the soup. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause uneven heating and texture changes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of fideo?
Absolutely! While traditional fideo noodles create the classic texture, thin vermicelli or angel hair pasta work well too. Just toast them lightly in the oil for that essential nutty flavor before adding the liquids.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a flavorful vegetarian version that still captures all the heartwarming qualities of the original soup.
How spicy is the Sopa de Fideo Recipe?
The soup is mildly spiced, especially if you include the optional chili powder. If you prefer less heat, you can omit the chili powder altogether without losing any of the comforting tomato and herb flavors.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Definitely! Adding shredded cooked chicken or a handful of cooked beans can make the soup more filling. Just stir them in toward the end of cooking to warm through without overcooking the noodles.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers without losing texture?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent the noodles from becoming too soft. Avoid microwave reheating if you can, as it tends to make the noodles mushy and unevenly heated.
Final Thoughts
This Sopa de Fideo Recipe is a beautiful reminder that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create an unforgettable meal full of warmth and flavor. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully adaptable, and tastes like a comforting hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try making this classic soup and see just how soul-satisfying it truly is.
Print
Sopa de Fideo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
Sopa de Fideo is a classic Mexican noodle soup made with toasted vermicelli noodles simmered in a flavorful tomato and chicken broth base. This comforting and easy-to-make dish combines the richness of roasted tomatoes, aromatic spices, and fresh garnishes like cilantro and lime, perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
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 as this adds a delicious nutty flavor to the soup.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the toasted noodles. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are softened and translucent, which builds a flavorful base.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes (or blended fresh tomatoes) and tomato sauce into the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and blend with the other ingredients to form a rich broth.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are soft and cooked through.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, fresh flavor boost.
Notes
- You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust chili powder to your heat preference or omit for a milder soup.
- Fresh tomatoes can be substituted for canned for a fresher taste, blended smooth before using.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute fideo noodles with gluten-free pasta or omit noodles entirely and increase broth and veggies.
- Garnish with avocado slices or queso fresco for additional richness.
