Description
Sopa De Fideo is a comforting Mexican noodle soup featuring toasted vermicelli pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato, garlic, and onion broth seasoned with coriander and cumin. Topped with crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, this classic soup is perfect for a light meal or appetizer that warms the soul.
Ingredients
Units
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Sopa De Fideo Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil or neutral oil
- 6 oz. fideo or vermicelli, broken into 1″ pieces
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 large or 4 small cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 (14-oz.) can whole tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 6 cups store-bought or homemade low-sodium chicken broth
- Crumbled queso fresco, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Toast the Fideo: In a large heavy pot over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the fideo noodles and season with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook mostly undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the noodles are golden brown and toasted. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the toasted noodles to a medium bowl for later use.
- Prepare Tomato Base: Place the chopped onion, garlic, and canned whole tomatoes into a blender. Blend until the mixture is nearly smooth, light pink, and aerated. Carefully transfer this tomato mix to the pot, avoiding splatter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raw aroma of onion and garlic dissipates, about 10 minutes. Stir in ground coriander, cumin, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to season the base.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the toasted fideo noodles and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, approximately 15 to 18 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the noodles to soften perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the finished soup into bowls. Top each serving with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for a bright, citrusy finish.
Notes
- To get the best flavor, make sure to toast the noodles until golden brown; this adds a nutty depth to the soup.
- If you prefer a smooth soup, you can strain the tomato blend before cooking.
- You can substitute vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian.
- Adjust seasoning with salt to taste before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
