How to Make the Perfect Mexican Sopa de Fideo
Mexican · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
Sopa de Fideo is a traditional Mexican dry noodle soup made by toasting thin vermicelli noodles in oil and then simmering them in a vibrant tomato and garlic broth until fully absorbed. It is a humble and deeply comforting dish that is a staple of Mexican home cooking.
Why this recipe works
This Mexican Sopa de Fideo recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 200 g fideo thin vermicelli noodles
- 400 g canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 whole white onion quartered
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Blend the Tomato Sauce
Place the canned tomatoes, quartered onion, garlic, and cumin into a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Set the tomato puree aside.
Step 2: Toast the Noodles
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wide skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the dry fideo noodles and toast them, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown color. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Sauce
Carefully pour the blended tomato sauce directly into the skillet with the toasted noodles. It will sizzle vigorously. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce darkens and clings to the noodles.
Step 4: Simmer Until Absorbed
Pour in the broth and season with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles have absorbed most of the liquid and are tender. Serve topped with crema, avocado, or queso fresco.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fideo noodles → broken thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- canned whole tomatoes → 4 fresh roma tomatoes roughly chopped
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not toasting the noodles long enough which skips the nutty depth that makes this dish so distinctive
- Lifting the lid too often while the noodles are simmering which releases steam and prevents even cooking
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 9g protein, 56g carbs, 9g fat, 4g fiber.
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