Sopa de Fideo: Toasted Noodle Soup in a Bright Tomato Broth Recipe
Sopa de Fideo is a classic Mexican noodle soup featuring toasted thin noodles in a rich, homemade tomato-based broth infused with onions, garlic, and cumin. This comforting soup is brightened with fresh lime juice and cilantro, making it a flavorful and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tomatoes, cored and halved
- 1 cup chopped onion (128g)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
Soup
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 ounces fideo noodles (or angel hair, vermicelli, or thin spaghetti) (225g)
- 4 to 6 cups chicken broth (960mL-1.44L)
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Chopped cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the tomato puree: Combine the tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic cloves, and ground cumin in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth, about 20 seconds. Set this vibrant tomato mixture aside for use in the soup.
- Toast the noodles: Warm vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. If using long noodles like vermicelli or angel hair, break them into 1-inch pieces in a separate bowl first. Add the fideo noodles to the hot oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles turn golden brown and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to let them burn; adjust the heat if needed.
- Add the broth and tomato puree: Pour the prepared tomato mixture into the pot with the toasted noodles. Add 4 cups of chicken broth and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally and cook the noodles until they are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. If the noodles absorb too much liquid or you prefer a thinner broth, add the remaining chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the lime juice and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy the bright, comforting flavors of this traditional Mexican soup.
Notes
- Heat the oil before adding noodles to ensure even toasting without sogginess.
- Break long pasta noodles into smaller pieces in a separate bowl before toasting to allow for better cooking and easier stirring.
- Toast the noodles until they become golden brown and fragrant for the signature nutty flavor; watch closely to prevent burning and reduce heat if necessary.
