If you have a craving for something comforting, homemade, and simply delicious, then you are going to love this Sopa de Fideo Recipe. This traditional Mexican noodle soup is all about layering simple, flavorful ingredients to create a bowl that feels like a warm hug. The toasty fideo noodles swimming in a bright tomato and aromatic broth make every spoonful a taste of home, ready to brighten your day or cozy up your evening with its vibrant charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sopa de Fideo Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredient list, each component playing a vital role in creating the soup’s rich flavor, perfect texture, and inviting color.
- Vegetable oil: Used to toast the noodles, helping them develop that irresistible golden crunch and deep flavor before simmering in broth.
- Fideo noodles (or vermicelli pasta): The star of the dish, these delicate noodles soak up all the delicious broth without losing their shape.
- Small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Offers a fragrant punch that elevates the broth’s complexity.
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh): Brings bright acidity and body to the soup, giving it that classic vibrant red color.
- Tomato sauce: Enhances thickness and the tomato flavor, balancing the soup perfectly.
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth): The flavorful liquid backbone that ties every ingredient together.
- Cumin: Adds warm, earthy notes that make this soup so memorable.
- Chili powder (optional): For a gentle, smoky heat that’s perfect if you like a little spice.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Dried oregano: Lends a subtle herbaceous lift that nods to traditional Mexican cuisine.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): A bright garnish that brings freshness and color.
- Lime wedges (optional): Perfect for squeezing over the soup to add a zesty brightness that wakes up every bite.
How to Make Sopa de Fideo Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Fideo Noodles
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the fideo noodles and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This toasting step takes the soup from ordinary to extraordinary with a warm, nutty flavor and a bit of texture that sets the foundation.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic directly to the pot with the toasted noodles. Cook them over medium heat for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. The aromas at this point fill your kitchen with the promise of something delicious!
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Sauce
Pour in your diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the fresh acidity from the tomatoes to deepen and meld beautifully with the sautéed noodles and aromatics.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Stir in the chicken broth along with cumin, chili powder if you choose to use it, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Bring everything to a lively boil—this step builds the rich, savory broth that makes Sopa de Fideo Recipe unforgettable.
Step 5: Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. This slow cooking softens the noodles perfectly, so they soak up all those beautiful flavors without becoming mushy.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Give your soup a taste and tweak the salt or pepper if needed. When you’re happy with it, ladle the hot soup into bowls, and get ready for one of the most comforting experiences you can have in a bowl.
How to Serve Sopa de Fideo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro and a lime wedge are classic garnishes that beautifully enhance the flavor of the sopa. The cilantro adds fresh herbal brightness while a squeeze of lime juice cuts through the richness with just the right amount of tanginess.
Side Dishes
Sopa de Fideo Recipe pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas or crusty bread for dipping. A simple avocado salad or a side of refried beans also complements the meal beautifully, adding texture and a cool contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or add a poached egg on top for extra richness. You can also sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco or tortilla strips for a delightful crunch that adds another layer of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This sopa keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup will thicken as it sits.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but the texture of the fideo noodles may change slightly. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for best quality, and consider freezing the broth separately next time if you want to keep textures perfect.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup back up. This will help revive the flavors and texture, ensuring every spoonful tastes just as comforting as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of fideo noodles?
Absolutely! While traditional fideo noodles are preferred for their thin, delicate texture, vermicelli or angel hair pasta can work well as substitutes in this soup.
Is this Sopa de Fideo Recipe spicy?
By default, the soup is mild. If you like a little heat, the optional chili powder adds a gentle kick that doesn’t overpower the comforting flavors.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you have a lovely vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
What are good alternatives to canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes, blended until smooth, make an excellent substitute for canned diced tomatoes, offering a fresh, vibrant taste that brightens the soup wonderfully.
How thick or brothy should Sopa de Fideo be?
The soup should be moderately brothy—not too thick—so the noodles have room to swim but the broth still feels hearty and satisfying. You can always adjust the thickness to your liking by adding more broth or cooking it a little longer.
Final Thoughts
This Sopa de Fideo Recipe is a true joy to prepare and even more delightful to eat. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply need some soothing soul food, this soup delivers every time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal that warms the heart and fills the belly with happiness.
Print
Sopa de Fideo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Sopa de Fideo is a comforting and flavorful Mexican noodle soup made with toasted fideo noodles simmered in a savory tomato and chicken broth base, seasoned with cumin, oregano, and optional chili powder for a mild heat. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime, this quick and easy soup offers a warm, homemade meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 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
Noodles
- 1 cup fideo noodles (or vermicelli pasta)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Toast the Fideo: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the fideo noodles and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, taking care not to burn them.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the diced or blended tomatoes along with the tomato sauce, cooking for about 5 minutes so the tomatoes release their juices and blend with the other ingredients.
- 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.
- Cook the Noodles through Simmering: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes until the noodles are tender and thoroughly cooked.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and make any necessary adjustments to salt and seasoning.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to enhance freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Add chili powder according to your preferred spice level for mild heat.
- Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned for a fresher taste.
- Ensure to toast the noodles properly for a deeper flavor but avoid burning them.
- Garnishing with cilantro and lime juice adds brightness to the soup.
