Sopa de Fideo Recipe

If you’ve never tried Sopa de Fideo, you’re in for a real treat. This traditional Mexican noodle soup is a warm hug in a bowl, boasting delicate toasted noodles swimming in a richly spiced tomato broth. Every spoonful offers comfort wrapped in vibrant flavors, making it a beloved classic that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want a quick, flavorful meal, Sopa de Fideo never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sopa de Fideo lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the soup’s signature taste, from the bright tomato base to the aromatic Mexican oregano. Together, they create a colorful, fragrant, and perfectly balanced meal that feels like home in every bite.

• Whole tomatoes (1 can, 28-ounce): Provide the fresh, tangy base essential for that deep red broth color.
• Olive oil (1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons): Used for toasting noodles and blending flavors, it adds richness and depth.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Offers a subtle pungency that enhances the overall aroma without overpowering.
• Fresh Mexican oregano (1 tablespoon): This herb brings an earthy, slightly citrusy note that defines the dish.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and heightens all the flavors in the soup.
• Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, nutty undertone that complements the tomato perfectly.
• Cut fideo pasta (1 package, 7-ounce): Thin noodles that toast beautifully, providing a lovely texture when cooked in broth.
• Chicken or vegetable broth (1 quart): The savory liquid backbone that softens noodles and blends all ingredients.
• Chopped cilantro (1/3 cup): A fresh, bright finish added right before serving for vibrant color and flavor.

How to Make Sopa de Fideo

Step 1: Make the Tomato Base

Start by combining your whole tomatoes, a quarter of the olive oil, garlic, fresh oregano, kosher salt, and ground cumin in a blender. Blend everything on high until you get a smooth, bright red tomato mixture. This forms the heart of your Sopa de Fideo, packing all those fresh, earthy, and slightly spicy flavors in one creamy base.

Step 2: Toast the Noodles

Next, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the cut fideo pasta and toast it, stirring frequently, until the noodles turn a gorgeous golden brown—usually about four minutes. This step isn’t just for color; toasting deepens the nutty flavor and keeps the noodles from becoming mushy once they simmer.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour your freshly blended tomato base into the pot with the toasted noodles and stir to fry everything together for a minute or two. Once it’s fragrant and starting to bubble, add the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes, until the fideo is tender and has soaked up all the rich tomato flavors.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving to add a burst of freshness and color. Ladle the Sopa de Fideo into bowls and enjoy immediately—each spoonful is pure comfort wrapped in vibrant, homemade goodness.

How to Serve Sopa de Fideo

Garnishes

While the chopped cilantro adds a lovely fresh note, you can also top your Sopa de Fideo with a squeeze of lime juice, a dollop of sour cream, or some thinly sliced avocado. These simple additions lift the soup’s texture and flavor, making every bite even more delightful.

Side Dishes

Sopa de Fideo is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with warm corn tortillas, fresh pico de gallo, or even a light salad with cucumber and radish. These sides keep the meal balanced and bring extra variety to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Sopa de Fideo in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or colorful bowls that bring out the vibrant red soup color. You can also top the noodles with crumbled queso fresco or crispy fried tortilla strips for added crunch and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Sopa de Fideo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually develop even more after sitting, so you might find it tastes better the next day!

Freezing

If you want to save soup for longer, freezing is a great option. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months without losing the essence of the Sopa de Fideo’s comforting flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much during cooling, add a little broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Sopa de Fideo vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and follow the recipe as usual. The flavors will remain just as vibrant and comforting.

What is the best pasta to use for Sopa de Fideo?

The traditional choice is thin cut fideo noodles, but in a pinch, you can use thin vermicelli or angel hair pasta, broken into short pieces for a similar texture.

Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?

Yes, dried oregano works fine—use about half the amount since it is more potent. The fresh Mexican oregano just adds a bit more brightness and authenticity to the soup.

How spicy is Sopa de Fideo?

This version is mild and comforting with gentle warmth from the cumin. If you want, you can add a pinch of chili powder or sliced jalapeño to give it a bit of a kick.

Can I make Sopa de Fideo ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the soup a day ahead and reheat it just before serving. It’s great for entertaining because it’s easy to warm up and always a crowd-pleaser.

Final Thoughts

Sopa de Fideo is one of those wonderful recipes that feels like a warm invitation to slow down and savor something truly delicious. It’s simple, nurturing, and filled with heartwarming flavors that make every bowl feel like a celebration of home cooking. I can’t recommend enough giving this classic a try—you’ll soon find it becoming one of your all-time favorites.

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