If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful soup that’s easy to make and perfect for any day, fideo soup is your answer. This traditional Mexican noodle soup, known as sopa de fideo, combines lightly toasted thin noodles with a rich tomato-based broth, creating a warm and satisfying dish that’s loved by kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into how you make fideo soup step-by-step, with tips to make it perfect every time!
What Is Fideo Soup?
Fideo means “noodle” in Spanish, referring to short, thin noodles similar to vermicelli or angel hair pasta but cut into small pieces. Sopa de fideo literally translates to “noodle soup.” It’s a classic Mexican dish with roots in both Mexican and Spanish cuisine, dating back to the 1600s. The magic lies in toasting the noodles before simmering them in a flavorful tomato broth, which gives the soup a deeper, richer taste and a cozy texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this soup easy to whip up anytime:
– Fideo noodles (or thin spaghetti broken into small pieces)
– Olive oil or vegetable oil
– Fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce
– Onion
– Garlic
– Chicken or vegetable broth
– Chicken bouillon cube (optional, for extra flavor)
– Fresh cilantro
– Ground cumin and black pepper
– Salt
– Lime wedges and hot sauce for serving (optional)
You can also add vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini for a heartier soup, or make it vegan by using vegetable broth and vegetable bouillon.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fideo Soup
1. Prepare the Tomato Base
Start by blending fresh tomatoes with onion and garlic until smooth. This creates the flavorful tomato broth that’s the heart of the soup. If you prefer, you can use tomato sauce instead for a quicker version.
2. Toast the Noodles
Heat oil in a medium pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the fideo noodles and stir constantly for 1 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as the toasting adds a nutty flavor that’s essential to authentic fideo soup.
3. Combine Tomato Base and Noodles
Pour the blended tomato mixture or tomato sauce into the pot with the toasted noodles. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and darkens slightly, coating the noodles well.
4. Add Broth and Simmer
Add the broth (chicken or vegetable) along with the bouillon cube if using. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
5. Finish with Fresh Cilantro and Seasoning
Stir in chopped fresh cilantro and adjust salt and pepper to taste. This fresh herb adds brightness and a classic Mexican touch to the soup.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side. The lime adds a zesty kick that balances the rich tomato flavor perfectly.
Tips for the Best Fideo Soup
– Don’t skip toasting the noodles: It’s key for that signature toasted flavor.
– Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic make the broth vibrant and delicious.
– Watch the noodles closely: They can burn quickly when toasting, so stir constantly.
– Adjust broth amount for consistency: Add more broth for a soupy texture or less for a thicker, almost stew-like dish.
– Try variations: Add diced vegetables or make it vegan by swapping chicken broth and bouillon for vegetable versions.
Why You’ll Love Making Fideo Soup
Fideo soup is not only incredibly easy and quick to prepare—taking about 20 minutes—but it’s also nostalgic and comforting. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you want a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and can be customized with your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
Making fideo soup is a wonderful way to bring a taste of Mexican tradition into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every spoonful of this delightful Mexican classic!