If you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort, look no further than Sopa de Fideo. This beloved Mexican noodle soup is a staple in so many kitchens — and for good reason! With its tender golden noodles, rich tomato broth, and hint of fresh lime and cilantro, it’s both nourishing and loaded with flavor. Whether you remember it from childhood or are discovering it for the first time, Sopa de Fideo is a simple yet soul-soothing dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the ingredients for Sopa de Fideo are refreshingly straightforward, but each one brings something special to the pot. Every component is chosen for its essential contribution, building up the taste, color, and irresistible texture of this classic soup.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for getting the noodles golden and toasty, which is key to the soup’s signature depth.
- Fideo pasta (7 oz): Thin Mexican noodles (or vermicelli) soak up all those amazing flavors while staying delightfully slurpable.
- White onion (1/2 small, chopped): Adds mild sweetness and a lovely layer of aromatic richness to the broth.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Essential for bringing a savory, earthy note that rounds out the soup.
- Tomatoes (4 medium, chopped or 1 can diced): The base of the soup, lending vibrant color and a subtly tangy flavor.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Infuses the soup with comforting body and saltiness — swap for veggie broth for a vegetarian twist.
- Ground cumin (1/2 tsp): Adds gently warm spice and robust earthiness that makes Sopa de Fideo so deeply satisfying.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Lends a bit of subtle heat and depth to balance the other flavors.
- Salt (1/2 tsp, or to taste): Brings out the best in every ingredient — taste as you go!
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish): Gives a finishing touch of freshness and fragrance to every spoonful.
- Lime wedges (for serving): A squeeze at the end lifts all the flavors and adds that extra zing.
How to Make Sopa de Fideo
Step 1: Blend the Tomato Base
Start by combining your chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, and 1 cup of chicken broth in a blender. Blend everything until the mixture is completely smooth. This fragrant, rosy purée will become the flavorful backbone of your Sopa de Fideo — it’s worth getting it as silky as possible!
Step 2: Toast the Fideo
In a medium pot, heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss in the fideo pasta (or substitute vermicelli noodles if needed) and stir frequently. Within about 4 to 5 minutes, you’ll notice the noodles turn golden brown. That toasty color means maximum flavor, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning. This step makes a world of difference for the finished soup.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Mixture
Carefully pour your fresh tomato blend into the pot with the toasted noodles. Don’t be surprised if you get a delightful sizzle! Give it a good stir, letting the mixture cook for 3 to 4 minutes. This lets the noodles start absorbing the tomato’s natural sweetness and gives the flavors time to mingle.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Spices
Pour in the rest of your chicken broth, then sprinkle in the cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring the whole pot up to a gentle boil, then turn down the heat and let everything simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. The noodles will soften and thicken just enough, while the broth grows luxurious and aromatic. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking — this is your moment to make it perfect!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Ladle the steaming Sopa de Fideo into bowls and top generously with chopped cilantro and a bright squeeze of lime. Serve it hot and enjoy every slurp of this classic, soul-warming soup!
How to Serve Sopa de Fideo
Garnishes
The garnishes make all the difference! Sprinkle lots of fresh chopped cilantro on top, and set out plenty of lime wedges so each person can add their own splash of zesty brightness. You could even add thinly sliced avocado or a spoonful of crema if you want to up the comfort factor.
Side Dishes
Sopa de Fideo pairs perfectly with a warm stack of tortillas or a scoop of steaming white rice. If you’re putting together a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled quesadillas, a simple salad, or refried beans for a true Mexican-style spread that’s as inviting as it is satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive, ladle your Sopa de Fideo into small mugs as a starter for a dinner party, or dress it up in big rustic bowls for a cozy family lunch. For a fun twist, serve the soup with a tray of tempting toppings like pickled jalapeños, crumbled queso fresco, or even a dollop of chipotle salsa.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Sopa de Fideo, transfer it promptly to an airtight container and refrigerate. The soup keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors meld beautifully as it sits.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Sopa de Fideo, but keep in mind the noodles may soften a bit after thawing. Let the soup cool completely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers; it will last up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the cooked noodles and broth separately if you plan ahead.
Reheating
Reheat your Sopa de Fideo gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t clump. Add a splash of extra broth or water to bring it back to your preferred consistency. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine too — just cover and warm in short bursts, stirring each time.
FAQs
Can I make Sopa de Fideo vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a flavorful vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian Sopa de Fideo that everyone can enjoy. Feel free to toss in extra veggies like zucchini or carrots for added color and nutrition.
What if I can’t find fideo noodles?
No worries at all. Thin vermicelli noodles, angel hair pasta broken into small pieces, or any fine pasta work just as well. The magic comes from toasting the noodles in oil before simmering, so don’t skip that step!
Why do I need to toast the noodles?
Toasting the noodles is what makes Sopa de Fideo extra special. This quick step brings out a nutty flavor and ensures the noodles keep a pleasant texture – not too soft or soggy – as they soak up the broth.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Sopa de Fideo is perfect for feeding a group. Just double or triple the ingredients as needed, use a large pot, and keep an eye on the simmering time so the noodles stay perfectly tender.
Is Sopa de Fideo spicy?
By default, Sopa de Fideo is not spicy at all; it’s mild and comforting. If your crowd loves heat, set out hot sauce or sliced jalapeños so everyone can customize their own bowl.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to stir up a batch of Sopa de Fideo soon! Nothing comforts quite like a steaming bowl of noodle soup with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro. However you serve it, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every spoonful!
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Sopa de Fideo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Sopa de Fideo is a traditional Mexican noodle soup that is both comforting and flavorful. This easy recipe combines toasted fideo pasta with a rich tomato-based broth, seasoned with cumin and garlic. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, it’s a satisfying dish perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 7 ounces fideo pasta (or thin vermicelli noodles)
- 1/2 small white onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can, 14 oz, diced tomatoes)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- chopped cilantro, for garnish
- lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the fideo pasta and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
- Carefully pour in the tomato mixture and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors develop.
- Add the remaining chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
- You can also add diced vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Serve with warm tortillas or a side of rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
