Sopa de Fideo

Sopa de fideo is a delightful traditional Mexican soup, perfect for warming up chilly evenings or serving at family gatherings. This comforting dish features toasted thin noodles swimming in a rich and flavorful tomato broth. Its simplicity and robust taste make it ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive celebration. Enjoy the unique flavor profile of this classic recipe that has stood the test of time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can serve a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of toasted fideo and savory tomato broth creates a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for all ages.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your soup with toppings like sour cream, bananas, or cheese to suit everyone’s taste.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is not only loved by children but also appeals to adults, making it a crowd-pleaser at any table.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it reheats beautifully!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking Sopa de Fideo, gather your tools to ensure an efficient process. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender
• Fine mesh strainer
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing enough space for the ingredients to blend well.
• Blender: Necessary for creating a smooth tomato sauce that forms the base of your soup.
• Fine mesh strainer: Helps achieve the desired texture by removing solids from the blended sauce if preferred.

Ingredients

Sopa de fideo is made with simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Soup Base

• 1 (7 oz package) fideo pasta (or angel hair pasta, broken up)
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado oil recommended)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (El Pato hot tomato sauce recommended for a little kick)
• 2 roma tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 small onion
• 4 tsp Knorr chicken bouillon
• 6-7 cups water
• salt to taste (1/2 tsp recommended)

For Serving

• cilantro
• sour cream
• banana slices
• tortilla with mayo
• queso fresco or cotija cheese

How to Make Sopa de Fideo

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Combine the roma tomatoes, onion, garlic, and Knorr chicken bouillon in a blender. Blend until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of tomato sauce. Pour through a fine mesh strainer and remove leftover solids. If you prefer a thicker texture, skip straining.

Step 2: Toast the Fideo

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the fideo pasta and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until it turns light brown.

Step 3: Combine Sauces

Pour in the blended tomato sauce along with 1/2 cup of canned tomato sauce (I recommend El Pato Hot Tomato Sauce for added spice). Cook for 1-2 minutes and adjust heat as needed.

Step 4: Add Water and Seasoning

Add 6 to 7 cups of water into the pot and stir everything together. Taste your soup and add salt as needed; I usually go with about 1/2 tsp. Bring it all to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook Until Done

Stir in the cilantro, then cover your pot and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the fideo is tender.

Step 6: Serve Your Soup

Serve immediately with your choice of toppings! My family enjoys it with bananas and sour cream, while I prefer mine with corn tortillas and mayo!

How to Serve Sopa de Fideo

Sopa de fideo is not just a dish; it’s an experience that can be enhanced with delicious toppings and sides. Serving this comforting soup with the right accompaniments can elevate its flavor and presentation.

Fresh Toppings

• Cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
• Sour Cream – Provides creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• Queso Fresco – Crumbled cheese adds a rich, salty taste that complements the soup.

Unique Pairings

• Banana Slices – A traditional pairing in some families, bananas add sweetness and texture contrast.
• Tortilla with Mayo – A crispy tortilla spread with mayo creates a delightful crunchy side.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado enhances the soup’s richness and adds healthy fats.

Crunchy Elements

• Tortilla Chips – Perfect for dipping or adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
• Toasted Bread – Serve alongside for dipping into the flavorful broth.

How to Perfect Sopa de Fideo

Creating the perfect sopa de fideo involves careful attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Choose fresh vegetables and good-quality pasta for the best flavor.
• Toast the Noodles – Browning the fideo pasta enhances its nutty flavor and adds depth to the broth.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Add more hot sauce or chili peppers if you prefer a spicier soup.
• Let it Simmer – Allowing the soup to simmer helps all flavors meld together perfectly.
• Taste Before Serving – Always check seasoning before serving. Adjust salt or spices as needed.
• Experiment with Toppings – Don’t hesitate to try different toppings based on your preference!

Best Side Dishes for Sopa de Fideo

Sopa de fideo pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a filling addition beside your soup.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy beans provide protein and pair well with the broth’s taste.
3. Chiles Rellenos – Stuffed peppers add a hearty element and burst of flavor alongside your soup.
4. Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – Grilled corn slathered in mayo, cheese, and chili powder offers sweetness and crunch.
5. Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip adds richness that balances nicely with the spicy notes of sopa de fideo.
6. Crispy Tostadas – Crunchy tortillas topped with beans or guacamole give texture contrast to your meal.
7. Salad Verde – A fresh green salad brightens up the plate and adds freshness to counterbalance the warm soup.
8. Pico de Gallo – A fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brings acidity and brightness to each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sopa de fideo is a delightful dish, but there are common mistakes that can affect its flavor and texture. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using regular pasta – Don’t use standard pasta instead of fideo. Fideo is specifically made for this soup, ensuring the right texture and flavor.
• Skipping the browning step – Avoid omitting the step where you toast the fideo. This enhances the flavor and gives it a beautiful golden color.
• Not straining the sauce – If you prefer a smoother broth, be sure to strain your blended tomato mixture. Leaving solids can lead to an undesired texture.
• Adding too much water – Be careful with your water measurements. Too much water will dilute the flavor; aim for 6-7 cups as recommended.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Always taste your soup before serving. Adjusting salt and seasonings at the end can make a huge difference in flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Sopa de Fideo

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Sopa de Fideo

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sopa de Fideo?

Sopa de fideo is a traditional Mexican soup made from toasted thin noodles served in a savory tomato broth. It’s comforting and perfect for any meal.

How do I make Sopa de Fideo spicier?

To add more spice, incorporate additional hot sauce or diced jalapeños into your broth while cooking. This will enhance its heat without overpowering other flavors.

Can I use different pasta in Sopa de Fideo?

While fideo is preferred, you can use broken angel hair or vermicelli pasta as alternatives. However, they may alter the final texture slightly.

How long does Sopa de Fideo last in the fridge?

Sopa de fideo lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Sopa de fideo is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings warmth and comfort. Its versatility allows you to customize toppings like cilantro or cheese based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a taste of Mexico right at home!