Sopa De Fideo Recipe

Quick Homemade Sopa De Fideo Recipe for Cozy Family Meals

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of sopa de fideo, a classic Mexican noodle soup that warms hearts and souls.

Thin, golden noodles dance in a rich, savory broth that speaks of tradition and home.

Each spoonful carries memories of abuela’s kitchen and lazy Sunday afternoons.

The simple ingredients come together with magical simplicity, creating a dish that’s both humble and deeply satisfying.

Tomatoes and garlic infuse the soup with robust flavor, while tender noodles provide a delightful texture.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this soup promises to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.

Prepare to fall in love with a true Mexican comfort classic.

Sopa de Fideo That Feels Like Comfort in a Bowl

  • Craft a Quick Protein-Packed Meal: This tuna egg salad delivers a nutritious punch with protein-rich tuna and eggs, perfect for those seeking a balanced and satisfying dish.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Mix and match vegetables, adjust seasoning, and experiment with dressing ingredients to create a personalized salad that suits your taste preferences.
  • Minimal Cooking Required: Prepare this recipe with simple chopping and mixing techniques, making it ideal for beginners or anyone wanting a no-fuss meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a standalone light meal, sandwich filling, or side dish, offering flexibility for different dining scenarios and meal times.

What’s Needed for Sopa de Fideo Recipe

Main Ingredients:
  • Fideo Pasta: Thin, short noodles that are the star of this traditional Mexican soup.
  • Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes create the flavorful base of the soup.
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Provides the liquid foundation and adds depth to the soup.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Oregano, Cumin, Salt: Classic spices that bring authentic Mexican flavor to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Used for toasting the noodles and blending the tomato base.
Garnish and Optional Toppings:
  • Cilantro, Lime Wedges, Queso Fresco, Avocado: Fresh garnishes that add brightness, tang, and additional texture to the soup.

Steps for Making a Simple Sopa de Fideo

Step 1: Whip Up Tomato Sauce

Gather these ingredients:
  • Tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Cumin

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend on high until the mixture transforms into a silky smooth sauce. Set the vibrant sauce aside for later.

Step 2: Dance with Noodles

Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Toss in fideo pasta and stir constantly, watching the noodles turn a gorgeous golden brown.

This toasting process takes around 4 minutes and brings out an incredible nutty flavor.

Step 3: Merge Flavors

Pour the blended tomato sauce over the toasted noodles.

Sizzle and fry the mixture for 1-2 minutes to intensify the flavors. Add chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a rolling boil.

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the pasta becomes perfectly tender.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro throughout the soup.

Serve steaming hot. Consider topping with fresh lime wedges, crumbled queso fresco, or diced avocado for extra pizzazz.

Notes for the Best Sopa de Fideo Experience

  • Watch the fideo pasta closely while toasting to prevent burning, stirring frequently for even golden color.
  • Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for a more vibrant and authentic base that enhances the soup's overall taste.
  • Adjust broth amount to achieve desired soup thickness, adding more for a thinner soup or less for a heartier version.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of white wine to the tomato base for extra complexity and richness.
  • Incorporate shredded chicken, cooked ground beef, or vegetarian protein like beans to make the soup more substantial.

Topping Ideas for Sopa de Fideo Soup

  • Gluten-Free Fideo: Replace traditional wheat fideo pasta with gluten-free vermicelli or rice noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Mexican Soup: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh as a protein boost.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and a dash of cayenne pepper to increase heat and create a bolder flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup's authentic Mexican essence.

What to Serve With Sopa de Fideo Bowls

  • Complement Mexican Flavors: Pair this sopa de fideo with crisp, light Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to balance the rich tomato and herb notes.
  • Enhance Freshness: Add a bright, zesty side salad with mixed greens, radishes, and a citrus vinaigrette to cut through the soup's warmth and provide textural contrast.
  • Boost Protein Punch: Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp seasoned with similar spices like cumin and oregano to create a more substantial meal that echoes the soup's traditional Mexican profile.
  • Create Comfort Combo: Finish the meal with a simple cinnamon-dusted churro or flan to complete the authentic Mexican dining experience and satisfy sweet cravings after the savory soup.

Best Storage for Sopa de Fideo Soup Leftovers

  • Store leftover sopa de fideo in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adjust consistency with additional liquid if needed.

FAQs

  • What are fideo noodles?

Fideo noodles are thin, short Mexican pasta noodles typically made from wheat flour, similar to vermicelli but shorter in length, commonly used in traditional Mexican soups and dishes.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The basic recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add jalapeños or hot sauce if you want to increase the heat level according to your preference.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a completely vegetarian version of the sopa de fideo.

  • What's the purpose of toasting the noodles?

Toasting the noodles before adding the tomato base helps develop a deeper, nuttier flavor and prevents them from becoming mushy during cooking, creating a more complex taste profile.

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Sopa De Fideo Recipe

Sopa De Fideo Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican comfort cooking reaches new heights with sopa de fideo, a classic noodle soup that warms hearts and satisfies hunger. Fragrant broth, golden toasted noodles, and simple ingredients combine into a soul-soothing dish you’ll crave time and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (28 ounces / 794 grams) can whole tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) fideo or vermicelli pasta

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Create a vibrant tomato base by blending ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and cumin until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
  2. In a soup pot, heat olive oil over medium temperature and carefully toast the fideo pasta, stirring constantly until noodles transform into a rich golden-brown color, approximately 4 minutes.
  3. Pour the prepared tomato mixture into the toasted noodles, allowing them to fry briefly for 1-2 minutes to intensify flavors.
  4. Add chicken or vegetable broth and increase heat to bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 5 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
  5. Remove soup from heat, gently fold in fresh chopped cilantro, and prepare to serve immediately.
  6. Optional: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with tangy lime wedges, crumbled queso fresco, or creamy diced avocado for added texture and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Toasting noodles is crucial for developing a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire soup’s taste profile.
  • Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes for the most vibrant and authentic base, ensuring maximum flavor depth.
  • Consider using gluten-free fideos or thin pasta for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the dish’s traditional texture.
  • Try vegetable or seafood broth to create diverse flavor variations while keeping the core recipe intact.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 11 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 80 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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