Sopa de Fideo
When I think of comfort food, Sopa de Fideo always comes to mind. This delightful Mexican noodle soup has a way of bringing warmth and happiness to any chilly day or rough evening. Growing up, my mother would whip up a pot of this soothing soup whenever I was feeling under the weather or simply needed a hug in a bowl. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic wafting through the house would make my heart skip a beat, reminding me that home is where love and good food thrive. The beauty of Sopa de Fideo is not just in its taste but in the memories it evokes—gathering around the kitchen table with family, sharing stories while we enjoyed a hearty bowl of this comforting soup.
Recipe Snapshot
20 mins
0 mins
20 mins
Easy
220 kcal
6 g
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan
5 g
Saucepan, Wooden Spoon, Cutting Board, Skillet, Frying Pan, Large Pot
What We Adore About This Sopa de Fideo
Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the reasons I absolutely love Sopa de Fideo is how quick and easy it is to prepare. Within just twenty minutes, you can have a delicious, homemade meal ready to serve. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want to enjoy something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Warmth in Every Spoonful
The combination of flavors in Sopa de Fideo is simply magical. The rich and savory broth, infused with ground cumin, complements the tender noodles perfectly. Each spoonful is loaded with warmth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. It’s the perfect antidote to a long day or a dreary evening.
Perfect for Customization
Another great aspect of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize Sopa de Fideo to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you want to add more vegetables, incorporate some beans for extra protein, or even spice it up with a touch of heat, the possibilities are endless!
A Budget-Friendly Meal
In today’s world, everyone is looking for ways to save money without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Sopa de Fideo is incredibly budget-friendly, as it uses simple ingredients that are often already in your pantry. It’s a great way to stretch a dollar while still providing a nourishing meal for your family.
Family Tradition
For many families, Sopa de Fideo is more than just a delicious dish; it’s a tradition. Sharing this soup brings families together, creating lasting memories and bonds over a shared meal. Cooking it is an act of love that passes down through generations, making it a cherished recipe in many homes.
Ingredients for Sopa de Fideo
The ingredients for Sopa de Fideo are simple yet incredibly effective in creating a flavorful dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s character. The star of the show, fideo pasta, absorbs the rich flavors of the broth, while the vegetables add both texture and nutrition. Let’s take a closer look at these ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other neutral oil – This is used for sautéing the onions and garlic, giving a rich base for the soup.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced – Adds depth of flavor; when sautéed, it becomes sweet and aromatic.
- 3 medium garlic cloves, minced – Infuses the soup with robust flavor, enhancing the overall dish.
- 1 small zucchini, diced – Provides a tender bite and contributes to the soup’s overall nutrition.
- 1 7-ounce package fideo pasta – The main ingredient, these thin noodles soak up the soup’s flavors beautifully.
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced – Brings freshness and acidity to balance the dish.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin – Adds warmth and depth, giving the soup its unique flavor profile.
- 5-6 cups vegetable broth – The base of the soup; adjust the amount for desired thickness.
- 1 18-ounce can tomato sauce – Enhances the tomato flavor and gives the soup a rich, comforting texture.
- Kosher salt to taste – Essential for seasoning the soup perfectly.
Cooking Instructions for Sopa de Fideo
Cooking Sopa de Fideo is a delightful and straightforward process. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comforting dish comes together! Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious soup.
Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about one minute. You want to achieve a fragrant aroma without browning them too much. This step creates a flavorful base for the soup.
Add Vegetables: Next, toss in the diced zucchini and fideo noodles. Sauté for one to two minutes until the noodles start to turn light brown. This adds a lovely toasted flavor to the noodles, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
Make the Soup: Now it’s time to combine the ingredients that will form the soup. Add the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, vegetable broth, and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined. The vibrant colors and aromas will begin to fill your kitchen!
Season: Taste the soup and add kosher salt as needed. Remember that it’s easier to add salt than to take it away, so adjust according to your preference.
Simmer & Serve: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the noodles have softened, about ten minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the noodles are tender, and the broth is fragrant. Enjoy your Sopa de Fideo hot!
Things Worth Knowing
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes will elevate the flavors of your soup.
- Texture Matters: Pay attention to the doneness of the fideo noodles. They should be tender but not mushy.
- Simmer Gently: A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully without overcooking the ingredients.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Customization Ideas
One of the most exciting aspects of cooking is the ability to personalize your dishes. Here are some tips to customize your Sopa de Fideo to make it uniquely yours!
- Add Extra Protein: Incorporate 1 cup of cooked canned black or pinto beans just before serving to boost the nutritional content and add heartiness.
- Go Oil-Free: If you’re looking for a lower-fat version, replace the avocado oil with a quarter cup of water and follow the recipe as written.
- Mix Up the Vegetables: Feel free to include other veggies like spinach or bell peppers to enhance the nutrition and flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: For a kick of heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process.
- Substitute the Pasta: If you can’t find fideo pasta, broken angel hair pasta makes a great alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with Toppings: Consider topping your soup with fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pair with Bread: A side of crusty bread is perfect for dipping and will make your meal even more satisfying.
Side Dish Ideas for Sopa de Fideo
Serving Sopa de Fideo can be just as creative as making it. Here are some ideas to enhance your mealtime experience:
- Fresh Salad: Pair your soup with a crisp green salad topped with avocado and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: These are perfect for adding a crunchy texture alongside your soup. Try serving them with guacamole or salsa.
- Rice Dishes: A side of cilantro-lime rice complements the flavors of Sopa de Fideo beautifully, making for a hearty meal.
- Grilled Corn: Corn on the cob seasoned with chili powder or lime provides a sweet and spicy accompaniment that pairs wonderfully.
- Occasions: This soup is perfect for casual family dinners, celebrating festive occasions, or simply enjoying a cozy night in. It can be a comforting dish during chilly months or a light meal during warm weather.
- Storage Tips: Leftover Sopa de Fideo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
- Seasonal Pairing: In the fall, consider serving it with roasted pumpkin or squash for a seasonal twist.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sopa de Fideo is a wonderfully comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any dining table. It’s quick, easy, and deeply flavorful, making it perfect for a cozy family meal. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of a homemade soup that will surely become a staple in your home.
Sopa de Fideo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the yellow onion and garlic cloves for 1 minute. Add the zucchini and fideo pasta and sauté until the noodles turn very light brown, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Make the Soup: Add the tomatoes, ground cumin, vegetable broth, and tomato sauce and stir until thoroughly combined. Add kosher salt to taste, if necessary.
- Simmer & Serve: Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let simmer until the noodles have softened, about 10 minutes.
Notes
- Oil-Free: replace the avocado oil with ¼ cup of water and proceed with the recipe as written.
- Extra Protein: stir in 1 cup of cooked canned black or pinto beans just before serving.
- Substitute Pasta: If you can’t find fideo pasta, you can use angel hair pasta broken up into 1-inch pieces.
