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
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 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.
