Sopa de Fideo is a traditional Mexican noodle soup known for its savory tomato broth and toasted pasta. This recipe provides a quick, comforting meal that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. It is a versatile dish that works well as a starter or a light main course.
List of ingredients
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes – used for the blended base.
- 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons olive oil – divided for blending and toasting.
- 2 cloves garlic – peeled and raw.
- 1 tablespoon fresh Mexican oregano (or Mediterranean oregano), chopped – for earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – for seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – adds warmth.
- 1 (7-ounce) package cut fideo pasta – small, thin noodles.
- 1 quart chicken broth or vegetable broth – the soup liquid.
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro – added at the end for freshness.
step-by-step instructions
- Make tomato base: Combine the whole tomatoes, 1/4 cup of the olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and cumin in a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Toast noodles: Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a soup pot (at least 4 quarts) over medium heat. Add the fideo pasta and toast, stirring frequently, until the noodles are golden brown, which takes about 4 minutes.
- Simmer: Pour the blended tomato base into the pot and fry it in the oil for one to two minutes. Add the broth and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the pasta is cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
- Serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro and serve the soup immediately.
Pro Techniques for Better Results
Achieving the Perfect Pasta Toast
The goal of toasting the fideo is to move the pasta from a glossy tan to a matte golden brown. Stir the noodles constantly to ensure they touch the hot oil evenly and do not burn. This process develops a nutty flavor that prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during simmering.
Managing the Tomato Sputter
When adding the blended tomato base to the hot oil, the mixture will sputter and pop due to the moisture content. Pour the liquid in slowly while stirring constantly to avoid splashes. Keeping the heat at a medium level helps control the reaction.
Selecting the Right Cookware
A heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly. Ensure the pot has a capacity of at least 4 quarts to allow room for the broth to boil without overflowing. A tight-fitting lid is necessary for the simmering stage to keep the heat consistent.
Ensuring a Silky Tomato Base
Use a high-speed blender to ensure the whole tomatoes and garlic are fully emulsified. If the mixture looks chunky, continue blending for an additional 30 seconds. This creates a uniform broth that coats the noodles evenly.
Practical Ingredient Substitutions
Using Broken Spaghetti Instead of Fideo
If cut fideo is unavailable, standard spaghetti can be used as a replacement. Break the dry spaghetti into pieces approximately 1 inch long before adding them to the oil. Follow the same toasting process to achieve the golden brown color.
Converting Fresh Tomatoes for the Base
To use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, use 2 cups of chopped Roma tomatoes. For the best texture, blanch the tomatoes in boiling water to remove the skins before blending. Fresh tomatoes may provide a lighter, more acidic flavor than canned versions.
Making a Vegan Version
This soup can be easily made vegan by substituting the chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth. Ensure the vegetable broth is low-sodium if you are sensitive to salt. The other ingredients, including the olive oil and fideo, are typically plant-based.
Dried Oregano Alternatives
If fresh Mexican oregano is not available, dried Mediterranean oregano is a suitable substitute. Use a slightly smaller amount of dried herbs, as their flavor is more concentrated than fresh leaves. Rub the dried herbs between your palms before adding them to the blender to release the oils.
Hearty Flavor Variations
Incorporating Root Vegetables
To make the soup more filling, add diced carrots and potatoes. Cut the vegetables into small 1/4-inch cubes so they cook at a similar rate to the pasta. Add them to the pot at the same time as the broth and simmer until tender.
Adding Green Vegetables
Diced zucchini, peas, or green beans add color and nutrients to the dish. Add these vegetables during the last 3 minutes of simmering to prevent them from overcooking. This ensures they maintain a bright color and a slight snap.
Increasing the Spice Level
For a spicy kick, stir in a teaspoon of arbol chili powder during the frying stage of the tomato base. Alternatively, add a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce directly into the individual bowls before serving. This allows guests to control their own heat level.
Creating a Dry Pasta Dish
You can convert this into Fideo Seco by significantly reducing the amount of broth. Use only enough liquid to cook the pasta until it is absorbed, resulting in a thick, saucy consistency. This version is often served as a side dish rather than a soup.
Serving and Pairing Guide
Traditional Toppings and Garnishes
Squeeze fresh lime wedges over the soup just before eating to brighten the tomato flavor. Crumbling queso fresco on top adds a salty, creamy contrast. Diced avocado can also be added for richness and a smoother mouthfeel.
Complementary Side Dishes
Serve this soup with warm corn tortillas for dipping into the broth. Pickled red onions provide a sharp, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness of the toasted noodles. A side of sliced avocado or a simple green salad also pairs well.
Ideal Beverage Pairings
A glass of authentic horchata provides a sweet, creamy balance to the savory and slightly acidic tomato broth. For a non-dairy option, fresh agua de jamaica (hibiscus tea) offers a tart profile that complements the cumin and oregano.
Storage and Reheating Advice
Refrigeration and Shelf Life
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because the pasta continues to absorb liquid over time, the soup will thicken significantly as it sits. Ensure the container is completely sealed to prevent the soup from absorbing fridge odors.
Reheating the Soup
When reheating, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of additional broth or water to the pot. Heat slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to break up the thickened pasta. This restores the original soup-like consistency without overcooking the noodles.
Avoid Freezing This Dish
It is not recommended to freeze Sopa de Fideo. The starch in the pasta breaks down during the freezing and thawing process, leading to a mushy, gloppy texture. For the best quality, eat the soup fresh or store it in the fridge.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Fixing Over-Thickened Soup
If the soup becomes too thick during the simmering process or after storage, stir in small amounts of warm broth. Add the liquid one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Avoid boiling the soup aggressively when thinning it to prevent the noodles from breaking.
Managing Overcooked Noodles
If the noodles become too soft, reduce the simmer time in future batches. Start checking the pasta texture at the 4-minute mark. Remember that the pasta continues to cook slightly even after the heat is turned off.
Balancing Tomato Acidity
If the tomato base tastes too acidic or sharp, add a small pinch of granulated sugar. The sugar neutralizes the acid without making the soup taste sweet. This is particularly helpful when using certain brands of canned tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can use butter, though it has a lower smoke point than olive oil. Use a lower heat setting when toasting the noodles to prevent the butter from burning. This will result in a richer, creamier flavor profile.
Do I have to blend the tomatoes?
Blending the tomatoes is essential for the authentic smooth texture of the broth. If you prefer a chunkier style, you can hand-dice the tomatoes very finely, but the flavor will not be as integrated as the blended version.
Is this soup suitable for young children?
This soup is generally very kid-friendly due to its mild flavor and small noodle size. To make it even more appealing, you can omit the cumin or reduce the amount of garlic. Adding extra carrots or peas can also increase the nutritional value for children.
What is the best way to store cilantro?
Store your cilantro in a glass of water in the fridge, similar to a bouquet of flowers, and cover the top with a plastic bag. This keeps the stems hydrated and the leaves fresh for longer. Chop the cilantro immediately before adding it to the soup to preserve the aroma.
How do I know when the fideo is toasted enough?
The noodles are ready when they lose their shiny appearance and turn a uniform golden-brown color. If you see black spots, the heat is too high. The toast should be consistent across all the noodles in the pot.
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Authentic Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An authentic Sopa de Fideo recipe, you will be surprised how easy, quick and delicious this soup is. It’s one of Mexico’s most classic soup recipes made with tomatoes, noodles, garlic, and broth. Loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes
- 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh Mexican oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (7-ounce) package cut fideo pasta
- 1 quart vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Make tomato base: Combine tomatoes, 1/4 of the olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and cumin in a blender. Blend on high until smooth.
- Toast noodles: Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add fideo and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and toasted, about 4 minutes.
- Simmer: Add tomato base and fry in the oil a minute or two then add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Stir in chopped cilantro and serve.
Notes
Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegan option. For a heartier soup, add 1 cup of diced carrots, peas, green beans, zucchini, or potatoes. Garnish with lime juice, crumbled queso fresco, or diced avocado. If using fresh tomatoes, use 2 cups of chopped Roma tomatoes. Add hot sauce or arbol chili powder for spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soups and Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1409 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg