Description
This Best Sopa de Fideo is a classic Mexican noodle soup featuring toasted fideo pasta simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato and chicken broth base. Enhanced with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, and garnished with cilantro, lime, and optional toppings like queso fresco and avocado, this comforting soup is perfect for a cozy meal and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 1/2 lbs roma tomatoes, halved
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled and halved
- 3 medium garlic cloves, peeled
- 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
Soup Base and Broth
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 (7 to 8 oz) package fideo pasta
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cumin, ancho chili powder, red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup queso fresco cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Mexican crema or sour cream (optional)
- 5 lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Tomato Puree: Add the halved roma tomatoes, peeled and halved onion, and peeled garlic cloves to a blender. Blend until smooth and set aside the tomato mixture for later use.
- Toast Fideo: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the fideo pasta and sauté, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until the noodles turn golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Adjust heat if the pasta browns too quickly to prevent burning.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour the prepared tomato puree and low-sodium chicken broth into the pot with the toasted fideo. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Optionally, add cumin, ancho chili powder, or red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor with some heat and depth.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered until the fideo pasta becomes tender, approximately 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, Mexican crema or sour cream if desired, and diced avocado. Serve with lime wedges on the side for spritzing to add a bright, fresh flavor.
Notes
- Toasting the fideo pasta before adding the broth deepens the flavor and prevents sogginess.
- Adjust the seasoning and spice level with cumin, chili powder, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
- Queso fresco and Mexican crema add a creamy texture and traditional flavor, but can be omitted for a lighter soup.
- Fresh lime juice brightens the soup and balances the rich tomato base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
