Hey Foodie Amigos! Dive into comfort with Sopa de Fideos – a Mexican noodle soup that’s pure coziness in a bowl! Simple, soulful, and ready to warm you up. Let’s slurp our way into deliciousness!
Ingredients:
7 ounce package of Fideo or angel hair pasta broken into small pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
14 oz can diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes
42 oz cans chicken broth 3 14-oz cans
1 cup onion chopped
1 clove garlic coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
freshly ground black pepper
course salt
Instructions:
Step 1:
Combine canned tomatoes, onion and garlic in a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Step 2:
Warm olive oil in a medium skillet and add fideo noodles.
Cook over medium low heat, stirrly regularly, until all pasta noodles are golden brown.
Remove from heat.
Step 3:
Combine tomato mixture, chicken broth and the noodles in a medium saucepan.
Season with pepper and salt.
Step 4:
Bring to a boil then reduce to medium (gentle boil) until noodles are almost tender, about 7-8 minutes.
Step 5:
Add sharp cheddar cheese bombs and cook 2 more minutes or until noodles are done.
Notes:
For this version, I used canned tomatoes because tomatoes are not in season right now. If it’s summer I recommend you use fresh tomatoes.
You can add zucchini, carrots, beans or potatoes to this for higher nutritional value.
You can also make this soup using alphabet pasta to make sopa de letras.
To make this recipe without oil set the pot to medium-low heat and add the noodles. Dry toast the noodles until golden brown stirring constantly, about 3 minutes. Continue with the rest of the recipe as written.
I like to add a sprig of cilantro with the zucchini, but that is completely optional.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: ~250 kcal | Protein: ~6g | Carbohydrates: ~40g | Dietary Fiber: ~3g | Sugars: ~4g | Fat: ~8g | Saturated Fat: ~2g | Monounsaturated Fat: ~5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: ~1g | Cholesterol: ~5mg | Sodium: ~800mg (varies based on the specific chicken broth and salt used) | Vitamin A: ~500 IU | Vitamin C: ~10mg | Calcium: ~50mg | Iron: ~2mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Fideo, and can I substitute it with other pasta?
Fideo is a type of thin noodle. You can substitute it with angel hair pasta or vermicelli for a similar texture.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes.
Blend them with onion and garlic to create a smooth mixture.
Why do we brown the fideo noodles before adding them to the soup?
Browning the fideo noodles adds a depth of flavor to the soup and enhances their texture.
Is there a specific type of chicken broth recommended for Sopa de Fideos?
You can use any chicken broth, but for more flavor, consider using low-sodium or homemade chicken broth.
What role does cilantro play in this soup?
Cilantro adds a fresh and aromatic flavor to the soup.
It’s often used as a garnish to enhance the overall taste.
How fine should I blend the tomato mixture?
Blend until the tomato mixture is smooth.
This helps create a consistent texture in the soup.
Can I add additional vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! You can customize this soup by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
What’s the purpose of using a gentle boil during cooking?
A gentle boil ensures that the noodles cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the broth without becoming mushy.
Are there alternative cheeses I can use besides sharp cheddar cheese?
While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend.
What’s the recommended serving style for Sopa de Fideos?
Serve Sopa de Fideos hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
It pairs well with a squeeze of lime and warm tortillas on the side.
