Sopa de Fideo
A heartwarming Mexican-American noodle soup where thin pasta is toasted to nutty perfection and simmered in a savory tomato broth. This classic comfort food is simple, delicious, and ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tomato Broth Base
- b.In a blender, combine the roughly chopped white onion, peeled garlic cloves, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and 1 cup of the chicken broth.
- c.Blend on high for 60-90 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in color. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast the Fideo Noodles
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a 4-quart pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, add the fideo noodles. Break them up if they are in nests.
- d.Cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the noodles are a deep golden brown and smell nutty. Do not let them burn.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Simmer the Soup
- b.Carefully and slowly pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot with the toasted fideo. Be cautious as it will sizzle and steam vigorously.
- c.Stir continuously for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to cook down slightly and coat the noodles.
- d.Pour in the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth. Add the ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well.
- e.Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the fideo noodles are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest, Garnish, and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes. The noodles will continue to absorb broth and soften.
- c.Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary.
- d.Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toasting the fideo is the most crucial step for flavor. Stir constantly and watch for a uniform golden-brown color.
- 2For a completely smooth broth, you can strain the blended tomato mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before adding it to the pot.
- 3The soup thickens significantly as it cools. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to return it to your desired consistency.
- 4Don't overcook the noodles during the simmering stage; they will continue to cook in the residual heat of the broth.
- 5Serve with warm corn tortillas or a bolillo roll for dipping.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add 1-2 chipotles in adobo sauce or half a jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) to the blender with the tomato mixture for a smoky, spicy kick.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Sauté 1/2 cup of diced carrots, celery, or potatoes in the pot before adding the fideo to make the soup more hearty.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
Stir in 1 cup of pre-cooked shredded chicken or tiny cooked meatballs (albóndigas) during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Simply substitute the chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian and vegan.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
The cooked tomatoes in the broth are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Provides Hydration
As a broth-based soup, Sopa de Fideo contributes to your daily fluid intake, which is essential for overall health and bodily functions.
Comforting and Mood-Boosting
Warm, simple, and satisfying, this soup is a classic comfort food. The carbohydrates from the pasta can help boost serotonin levels in the brain, promoting a sense of well-being.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1.5-cup serving of this Sopa de Fideo contains approximately 270-300 calories, making it a relatively light and comforting meal.