Sopa de Fideo: The Ultimate Comfort Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that wraps you up in a warm, flavorful hug. With its bright tomato broth, perfectly toasted noodles, and just the right touch of spices, it’s a simple yet irresistibly satisfying soup that feels like home with every spoonful. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a soul-soothing bowl to share, this recipe delivers magic in under 20 minutes, bringing family and friends together around the table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sopa de Fideo lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the rich flavor, lively color, and comforting texture of the soup, keeping things straightforward but never boring.
- 7 oz Fideo pasta: Thin, short noodles that toast beautifully and soak up the tomato broth perfectly.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Adds depth and savory warmth without overpowering the fresh tomato flavor.
- 14 oz diced tomatoes: The star of the soup, bringing brightness, acidity, and that classic red hue.
- 2 Tbs vegetable oil: Essential for toasting the noodles to golden perfection before simmering.
- 4 cloves garlic: Provides an aromatic punch that elevates every spoonful.
- 1 medium onion: Adds sweetness and a gentle bite, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 tsp cumin: A subtle earthy spice that gives the dish its signature Mexican flair.
- 2 dashes hot sauce: Offers just the right hint of heat to wake up the flavors.
- Salt, pepper to taste: To season and enhance the natural flavors.
How to Make Sopa de Fideo: The Ultimate Comfort Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Broth
Start by blending diced tomatoes, cumin, garlic, onions, and chili flakes in a blender until silky smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper to let the flavors shine through. Pour this vibrant mixture into your vegetable broth and set it aside; this will be the flavorful heart of your soup.
Step 2: Toast the Noodles
Drizzle vegetable oil into a large pot and heat until shimmering. Toss in the uncooked Fideo pasta and stir frequently, toasting for about 2 minutes or until the noodles turn a lovely golden brown. This step is crucial—it adds a toasty, nutty dimension and prevents the noodles from getting mushy.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Pour the tomato broth mixture into the pot with the toasted noodles and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 6 minutes until the noodles are tender but still hold their shape. Season with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired. Your comforting bowl of Sopa de Fideo is now ready to warm you up from the inside out.
How to Serve Sopa de Fideo: The Ultimate Comfort Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Sopa de Fideo experience with simple garnishes like freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dollop of creamy avocado. For extra zest, sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco or even crispy tortilla strips for crunch. These add layers of texture and flavor, making each spoonful even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving it alongside warm, buttered corn tortillas or a fresh green salad dressed with lime and chili powder. For a heartier meal, a side of grilled Mexican street corn (elote) or refried beans will complement the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve your Sopa de Fideo in small, colorful bowls or even mini clay pots to give it an authentic feel. You can also add shredded chicken or sautéed veggies to the soup to make it a complete meal. For gatherings, offer a toppings bar where everyone can customize their bowls with their favorite garnishes and spice levels.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sopa de Fideo keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh tomato flavor and tender noodle texture. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, a gentle reheat on the stove or microwave works perfectly.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this comfort soup later, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. While freezing can slightly alter the texture of the delicate noodles, it’s still a wonderful way to save your Sopa de Fideo for up to 4 months. Just be sure to portion it in sizes convenient for reheating.
Reheating
When reheating frozen or refrigerated Sopa de Fideo, warm it gently over medium-low heat on the stove to prevent the noodles from becoming too soft or mushy. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency if it thickens during storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
While traditional Sopa de Fideo uses the specific thin, short fideo noodles, you can experiment with vermicelli or angel hair pasta broken into small pieces. Just keep in mind the cooking time might vary.
Is this soup vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth ensures that the recipe stays vegan. Just watch add-ons like cheese or crema if you want to keep it fully plant-based.
How spicy is the soup?
The recipe calls for just a couple of dashes of hot sauce, so it’s mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat to your liking by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce or adding fresh chili peppers.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, Sopa de Fideo is great for meal prepping. Prepare the soup in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy. It’s a quick and comforting meal on demand.
What can I add to make it more filling?
For a heartier version, add shredded chicken, cooked beans, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. It transforms the soup into a well-rounded meal without losing its comfort-food charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so special about Sopa de Fideo: The Ultimate Comfort Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. I encourage you to dive in, make it your own, and savor every spoonful of this heartwarming classic!
PrintSopa de Fideo: The Ultimate Comfort Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe
Sopa de Fideo is a classic Mexican noodle soup featuring delicious toasted fideo pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato and vegetable broth infused with garlic, onion, and cumin. This comforting and easy-to-make soup is perfect for a quick meal that warms the soul and satisfies the whole family.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Soup Broth
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Noodles and Cooking
- 7 oz Fideo pasta
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the soup broth: Add diced tomatoes, cumin, garlic, onion, and chili flakes to a blender. Season with salt and pepper, then blend until smooth. Pour the blended mixture into a bowl and stir in the vegetable broth. Set aside.
- Toast the noodles: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until hot. Add the uncooked fideo pasta and toast, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes or until lightly golden to enhance flavor.
- Cook Sopa de Fideo: Pour the prepared tomato broth mixture into the pot with toasted noodles and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 6 minutes until noodles are tender and soup is heated through. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- For freezing, cool soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Best consumed within 4 months, though texture may slightly change.
- This soup can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
