Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup)
Sopa de fideo, or sopita de fideo, is one of the most comforting Mexican soups. Every spoonful feels like a hug. It's the kind of soup that makes you feel good and loved, whether it's a sunny or rainy day. This is the same recipe I grew up eating in Mexico — toasted noodles simmered in a simple tomato broth, ready in 25 minutes.
4 people
Calories: 253kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 oz fideo pasta
- 1 pound Roma tomatoes
- ½ medium onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 5 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 chile ancho optional
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes in half, quarter the onion, and peel the garlic. Blend in a food processor or blender with a pinch of salt until completely smooth.
- Heat the oil over medium heat in a medium-large pot and toast the fideo until lightly golden brown, stirring constantly. This step gives the soup its traditional flavor. Watch closely — the pasta burns fast.
- Pour in the tomato mixture and let it sizzle for a minute. Add water or vegetable broth, and the chile if using. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. The soup is done when the broth turns from a light to a deeper red.
- Remove the chile and serve. Top with lime, cilantro, avocado, cotija cheese, or crema.
Notes
- Don't walk away while toasting the pasta; it goes from golden to burnt in seconds.
- Add more broth or water as needed. This is meant to be a brothy soup. The soup thickens as it sits because the pasta absorbs the broth.
- This soup is best eaten right after it's made.
- Season generously with salt, with so few ingredients, it makes all the difference.
- For a deeper flavor, roast the tomatoes, garlic, and onion on a comal or skillet before blending.
- Gluten-free option: Use bean-based pasta, which holds its shape better in the broth.
- Storage Refrigerate: Airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding more broth or water as needed since the noodles keep absorbing liquid.
- Freeze: Not recommended. The noodles get too soft when thawed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 2929mg | Potassium: 422mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1571IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg