Warm Up with a Bowl of Authentic Sopa de Fideo: A Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe

Sopa de Fideo, a comforting and flavorful Mexican noodle soup, is a staple in many households. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend lunch. This recipe will guide you through creating a truly authentic and delicious Sopa de Fideo that will warm you from the inside out.

## What is Sopa de Fideo?

Sopa de Fideo translates to “noodle soup” in Spanish. It’s traditionally made with thin, short noodles called fideo, which are toasted until golden brown before being simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth. The soup is often enhanced with vegetables, herbs, and spices, creating a comforting and nourishing meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple and Quick:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Sopa de Fideo is made with inexpensive ingredients, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spices.
* **Comforting and Delicious:** The warm, flavorful broth and tender noodles make this soup incredibly comforting and satisfying.
* **Authentic Flavor:** This recipe captures the traditional flavors of Mexican Sopa de Fideo.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Fideo Noodles:** These are the star of the show! Look for thin, short fideo noodles, often found in the Hispanic aisle of your grocery store. If you can’t find fideo, you can substitute with broken spaghetti or other small pasta shapes.
* **Tomato Sauce:** Canned tomato sauce forms the base of the broth. Choose a good quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** Chicken broth adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup. You can use store-bought broth or homemade broth.
* **Onion and Garlic:** These aromatics provide a flavorful foundation for the soup. Use yellow or white onion.
* **Olive Oil:** Olive oil is used to toast the noodles and sauté the aromatics.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the soup to taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Carrots, celery, zucchini, potatoes, shredded chicken, cilantro, lime wedges, avocado.

## Equipment

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make authentic Sopa de Fideo:

**Step 1: Toast the Fideo Noodles**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the fideo noodles to the pot.
* Cook, stirring frequently, until the noodles are golden brown and toasted. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them!

**Why toast the noodles?** Toasting the fideo noodles before adding the broth is crucial for developing their flavor. It also helps them hold their shape better during cooking, preventing them from becoming mushy.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Remove the toasted noodles from the pot and set aside.
* Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Broth**

* Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth.
* Stir to combine.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer.

**Step 4: Add the Noodles and Simmer**

* Return the toasted fideo noodles to the pot.
* Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the broth.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

**Step 5: Season and Add Optional Vegetables**

* Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
* If adding vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, or potatoes, add them to the pot during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking time, or until they are tender.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**

* Ladle the Sopa de Fideo into bowls.
* Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a few slices of avocado, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Sopa de Fideo

* **Don’t overcook the noodles:** Overcooked noodles will become mushy and the soup will lose its texture. Cook the noodles until they are just tender.
* **Use good quality broth:** The flavor of the broth will significantly impact the taste of the soup. Use a good quality store-bought broth or make your own homemade broth for the best results.
* **Toast the noodles evenly:** Make sure to stir the noodles frequently while toasting to ensure they are evenly browned.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your taste:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
* **Add a touch of heat:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian.

## Variations and Add-ins

Sopa de Fideo is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Here are some variations and add-ins to try:

* **Chicken Sopa de Fideo:** Add shredded cooked chicken to the soup for a heartier meal. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts specifically for the soup.
* **Chipotle Sopa de Fideo:** Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the soup for a smoky and spicy flavor. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* **Vegetarian Sopa de Fideo:** Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and add a variety of vegetables like corn, peas, and green beans.
* **Sopa de Fideo with Cheese:** Top the soup with crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
* **Lime and Cilantro Sopa de Fideo:** Add a generous amount of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to the soup for a bright and refreshing flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
* **Add Protein:** Include cooked shrimp, ground beef, or chorizo for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
* **Vary the Vegetables:** Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Sopa de Fideo is delicious on its own, but it can also be served as a side dish with other Mexican favorites. Here are some serving suggestions:

* Serve with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread.
* Top with a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema.
* Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado.
* Serve with a side of quesadillas, tacos, or enchiladas.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can make Sopa de Fideo ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Sopa de Fideo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use a different type of noodle?**

A: While fideo noodles are traditionally used, you can substitute with broken spaghetti, ditalini, or other small pasta shapes.

**Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?**

A: Yes, you can make Sopa de Fideo in a slow cooker. Toast the noodles in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

**Q: Can I freeze Sopa de Fideo?**

A: It is not recommended to freeze Sopa de Fideo because the noodles can become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the broth separately and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

**Q: How can I make this soup spicier?**

A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup.

**Q: Can I add beans to this soup?**

A: Yes, you can add cooked beans, such as pinto beans or black beans, to the soup for added protein and fiber.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, without add-ins)

* Calories: 200-250
* Protein: 5-7g
* Fat: 8-10g
* Carbohydrates: 25-30g
* Fiber: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion

Sopa de Fideo is a simple yet satisfying soup that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful broth, tender noodles, and customizable ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of authentic Mexican noodle soup!

## Recipe Card

**Sopa de Fideo: Mexican Noodle Soup**

A comforting and flavorful Mexican noodle soup made with toasted fideo noodles, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Perfect for a quick and easy meal!

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for sautéing
* 1 cup fideo noodles
* 1 small yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 6 cups chicken broth
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: carrots, celery, zucchini, potatoes, shredded chicken, cilantro, lime wedges, avocado

**Instructions:**

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the fideo noodles and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and toasted, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Return the toasted fideo noodles to the pot. Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the broth. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If adding vegetables, add them to the pot during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking time, or until they are tender.
6. Ladle the Sopa de Fideo into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a few slices of avocado, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

**Notes:**

* For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
* Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.