Sopa de Fideo

An authentic Sopa de Fideo recipe is a delightful surprise with its simplicity and rich flavors. This classic Mexican soup, featuring tomatoes, noodles, garlic, and broth, can be enjoyed on various occasions. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or seeking a quick meal for the family, Sopa de Fideo stands out with its comforting texture and vibrant taste that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 20 minutes, you can serve this delicious soup.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of tomatoes and spices creates a rich flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or a main course.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids will love.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with vitamins from fresh ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Sopa de Fideo.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Soup pot (at least 4 quarts)
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Soup pot: A large pot ensures even cooking of the ingredients without overcrowding.
• Blender: Helps create a smooth tomato base that enhances the soup’s texture.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 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

For the Pasta

• 1 (7-ounce) package cut fideo pasta

For the Broth

• 1 quart chicken broth or vegetable broth

For Garnish

• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro

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How to Make Sopa de Fideo

Step 1: Make Tomato Base

Combine the whole tomatoes, 1/4 cup of olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and cumin in a blender. Blend on high until smooth.

Step 2: Toast Noodles

Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the fideo pasta and toast it by stirring frequently until golden brown, about 4 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer

Add the tomato base to the toasted noodles and fry in the oil for one or two minutes. Then add the broth and bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Stir in the chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of Sopa de Fideo!

How to Serve Sopa de Fideo

Sopa de Fideo is a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Lime wedges – A squeeze of lime adds a refreshing tang.
• Avocado slices – Creamy avocado enhances the soup’s texture and flavor.
• Chopped green onions – For a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Bolillo rolls – These traditional Mexican rolls are perfect for dipping.
• Garlic bread – Adds richness and complements the flavors of the soup.

Create a Flavor Explosion

• Hot sauce – Spice things up with your favorite hot sauce or salsa.
• Crumbled queso fresco – Add a sprinkle for a creamy, salty finish.

How to Perfect Sopa de Fideo

Making an exceptional Sopa de Fideo is easier than you think. With these tips, your soup will always be delicious.

• Use fresh tomatoes – If possible, opt for fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a vibrant taste.
• Toast the noodles thoroughly – Ensure fideo is golden brown to enhance the flavor during cooking.
• Adjust seasoning to taste – Always taste before serving; feel free to add more salt or spices as desired.
• Experiment with herbs – While oregano is classic, try adding cilantro or even basil for different notes.
• Add proteins – Consider including shredded chicken or beans for extra protein in the soup.

Best Side Dishes for Sopa de Fideo

Pairing your Sopa de Fideo with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice – A flavorful side that pairs beautifully with the soup’s broth.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy beans help balance the lightness of the soup while adding protein.
3. Corn Tortillas – Warm tortillas are perfect for dipping and soaking up the soup.
4. Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – A sweet and savory treat that adds fun textures alongside your meal.
5. Ensalada Verde (Green Salad) – A fresh salad brings crunch and acidity, enhancing the overall dining experience.
6. Chiles Rellenos – Stuffed peppers add heartiness and richness, making your meal more satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sopa de Fideo can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using canned tomatoes without draining: Always drain excess liquid from canned tomatoes for a thicker soup. This helps achieve the right consistency.
• Overcooking the fideo: Fideo pasta cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness; it should be al dente.
• Skipping the toasting step: Toasting the noodles adds depth and flavor. Don’t skip this crucial step for a richer taste.
• Not blending the tomato base enough: Ensure your tomato mixture is smooth so that it incorporates well into the broth and enhances overall flavor.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste before serving and adjust salt or spices according to your preference. Each batch can vary in flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Sopa de Fideo in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sopa de Fideo

• Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave space for expansion.

Reheating Sopa de Fideo

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are essential for Sopa de Fideo?

The essential ingredients include whole tomatoes, fideo pasta, garlic, and broth. These create the classic flavors associated with Sopa de Fideo.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of fideo?

While fideo is traditional, you can substitute with thin vermicelli or angel hair pasta. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

How can I customize my Sopa de Fideo?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or zucchini. You can also incorporate proteins such as shredded chicken or beans for added nutrition.

Is Sopa de Fideo suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you have a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Sopa de Fideo is not only quick and easy to make but also versatile enough to adapt according to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal or as part of a larger feast, this soup is sure to please everyone at your table. Try adding your favorite ingredients and make it your own!

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Sopa de Fideo

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Experience the warm comfort of authentic Sopa de Fideo, a classic Mexican soup that brings together the rich flavors of tomatoes, garlic, and spices with tender fideo pasta. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful dish can be served as a quick family meal or a cozy appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes
• 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh Mexican oregano (or Mediterranean oregano)
• 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

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Instructions

1. Make the Tomato Base: Blend whole tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and cumin until smooth.
2. Toast Noodles: Heat remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add fideo pasta and toast until golden brown for about 4 minutes.
3. Simmer: Pour in the tomato base to the toasted noodles and fry for an additional minute. Add broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes until pasta is cooked.
4. Serve: Stir in chopped cilantro before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For enhanced flavor, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned when possible. Experiment by adding vegetables like zucchini or proteins such as shredded chicken for extra nutrition. Adjust seasoning according to taste before serving.