Sopa de Fideo is more than just a bowl of soup—it’s a culinary hug, steeped in tradition and history. This beloved dish, a staple in many Mexican households, has been passed down through generations, weaving its way into the hearts and kitchens of families around the world. Its simplicity is its charm, offering a beautiful balance of toasted noodles, a savory tomato-based broth, and fragrant herbs.
For many, Sopa de Fideo conjures up memories of childhood, when a comforting bowl was the remedy for rainy days, colds, or just the need for a little love in a dish. It’s often one of the first recipes children learn to cook, serving as an introduction to the rich and varied world of Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re new to Sopa de Fideo or revisiting a cherished classic, this recipe promises to be a satisfying addition to your repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for those busy days when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spare.
- Rich in Tradition: This is more than a soup—it’s a piece of history, bringing the warmth of Mexican kitchens to your table.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to suit your preferences, whether you want to add vegetables, make it vegan, or spice it up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes
- 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh Mexican oregano (or Mediterranean oregano), chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (7-ounce) package cut fideo pasta
- 1 quart chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
How to Make Sopa de Fideo
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Blend the Tomato Base
Begin by preparing the soul of the soup—a vibrant tomato sauce. In a blender, combine the canned tomatoes (including their juice), 1/4 cup of olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and cumin. Blend until smooth, creating a rich and aromatic base. Keep it nearby, as you’ll need it immediately after toasting the noodles.
2. Toast the Noodles
The magic of Sopa de Fideo begins with the toasting of the noodles. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the fideo noodles and stir constantly to coat them evenly in the oil. Watch carefully as the noodles transition from pale to a deep golden brown. This step infuses the soup with a nutty, earthy flavor that elevates the dish.
3. Add the Tomato Sauce
Once the noodles are perfectly toasted, carefully pour the blended tomato sauce into the pot. The mixture may sputter as it hits the hot oil, so stir continuously to avoid splatters. Allow the sauce to fry for about 2 minutes, deepening its flavor and melding with the toasted noodles.
4. Simmer the Soup
Pour in the broth and increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let the noodles cook in the rich tomato broth for about 5 minutes or until tender. The aroma at this stage is utterly irresistible, filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort.
5. Finish and Garnish
When the noodles are cooked to perfection, stir in the chopped cilantro. This final touch adds a burst of freshness, balancing the robust flavors of the broth. Serve the soup hot, with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice just before eating brightens the dish, making each bite even more delightful.
Helpful Tips
- Selecting Noodles: If you can’t find fideo pasta, substitute with vermicelli or angel hair pasta broken into 1-inch pieces. This slight adjustment won’t compromise the dish’s authenticity or flavor.
- Frying the Tomato Sauce: Don’t skip this step! Frying the sauce in oil intensifies its taste and integrates the flavors beautifully with the noodles.
- Make it Your Own: Add diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or zucchini for a heartier version. This soup is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to experiment.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian (vegan if using vegetable broth)
Notes
- Leftovers: Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The noodles will absorb more broth as it sits, so add a bit of extra broth or water when reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Heat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture of the noodles.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 170
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 1409mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Use about 2 cups of ripe Roma tomatoes. Roast them lightly before blending for extra depth of flavor.
Q: Is this soup spicy?
A: No, it’s a mild soup. If you prefer spice, add chili powder, hot sauce, or a diced jalapeño to the broth.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: While you can prepare the soup in advance, it’s best served fresh. The noodles may soften if stored for too long.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Sopa de Fideo, try these equally comforting Mexican dishes:
Conclusion
Sopa de Fideo is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience, a tradition, and a heartfelt reminder of the beauty in simple, wholesome food. Whether you’re reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, this soup is sure to warm your soul. Gather your loved ones, share a bowl, and savor the joy that only homemade comfort food can bring.
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Sopa de Fideo: A Heartwarming Classic
Description
Sopa de Fideo is more than just a bowl of soup—it’s a culinary hug, steeped in tradition and history. This beloved dish, a staple in many Mexican households, has been passed down through generations, weaving its way into the hearts and kitchens of families around the world. Its simplicity is its charm, offering a beautiful balance of toasted noodles, a savory tomato-based broth, and fragrant herbs.
For many, Sopa de Fideo conjures up memories of childhood, when a comforting bowl was the remedy for rainy days, colds, or just the need for a little love in a dish. It’s often one of the first recipes children learn to cook, serving as an introduction to the rich and varied world of Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re new to Sopa de Fideo or revisiting a cherished classic, this recipe promises to be a satisfying addition to your repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes
- 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh Mexican oregano (or Mediterranean oregano), chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (7-ounce) package cut fideo pasta
- 1 quart chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
1. Blend the Tomato Base
Begin by preparing the soul of the soup—a vibrant tomato sauce. In a blender, combine the canned tomatoes (including their juice), 1/4 cup of olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and cumin. Blend until smooth, creating a rich and aromatic base. Keep it nearby, as you’ll need it immediately after toasting the noodles.
2. Toast the Noodles
The magic of Sopa de Fideo begins with the toasting of the noodles. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the fideo noodles and stir constantly to coat them evenly in the oil. Watch carefully as the noodles transition from pale to a deep golden brown. This step infuses the soup with a nutty, earthy flavor that elevates the dish.
3. Add the Tomato Sauce
Once the noodles are perfectly toasted, carefully pour the blended tomato sauce into the pot. The mixture may sputter as it hits the hot oil, so stir continuously to avoid splatters. Allow the sauce to fry for about 2 minutes, deepening its flavor and melding with the toasted noodles.
4. Simmer the Soup
Pour in the broth and increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let the noodles cook in the rich tomato broth for about 5 minutes or until tender. The aroma at this stage is utterly irresistible, filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort.
5. Finish and Garnish
When the noodles are cooked to perfection, stir in the chopped cilantro. This final touch adds a burst of freshness, balancing the robust flavors of the broth. Serve the soup hot, with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice just before eating brightens the dish, making each bite even more delightful.
Notes
- Leftovers: Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The noodles will absorb more broth as it sits, so add a bit of extra broth or water when reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Heat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture of the noodles.
