Description
Sopa de Fideo is a classic Mexican noodle soup featuring toasted fideo pasta in a flavorful tomato and herb broth. This warm, comforting dish is quick to prepare, blending the fresh essence of tomatoes and oregano with the richness of toasted noodles and broth. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy lunch, it highlights traditional Mexican flavors with a simple cooking process.
Ingredients
Tomato Base
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh Mexican oregano (or Mediterranean oregano), chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Soup
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (7-ounce) package cut fideo pasta
- 1 quart chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Make tomato base: Combine whole tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, garlic cloves, chopped oregano, kosher salt, and ground cumin in a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth, creating a flavorful tomato base for the soup.
- Toast noodles: Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a soup pot (at least 4 quarts) over medium heat. Add the cut fideo pasta and toast it, stirring frequently to ensure even browning. Continue to toast until the noodles are golden and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Simmer: Pour the blended tomato base into the pot with the toasted noodles and cook in the oil for a minute or two to enhance the flavors. Then, add the quart of chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the pasta is tender and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat, stir in the chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal brightness, and serve the soup hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
- Toasting the fideo noodles is essential for adding a nutty flavor and enhancing the soup’s depth.
- Fresh Mexican oregano provides a more authentic flavor, but Mediterranean oregano is a good substitute if unavailable.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the broth used.
- For a smoother texture, strain the soup before serving or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
