Looking for a deliciously simple and comforting dish? This classic fideo recipe is a staple in Mexican kitchens and for good reason! With toasted fideo noodles simmered in a rich tomato broth, this sopa de fideo recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The beauty of this fideo soup recipe lies in its simplicity—it’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re familiar with fideo noodles recipes or trying it for the first time, this dish is bound to become a favorite.

Fideo recipe

Recipe by SouhailCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

260

kcal

This classic Mexican sopa de fideo recipe is a comforting, simple soup made with toasted fideo noodles simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. It’s a quick, budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for a light meal or side.

Ingredients

200g fideo noodles (or vermicelli pasta)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 ripe tomatoes, blended into a puree (or 400g canned crushed tomatoes)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Directions

Toast the Fideo Noodles: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the fideo noodles and stir constantly for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Tomato Puree: Stir in the tomato puree, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth, stir well, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra burst of freshness, add chopped cilantro.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

Notes

Fideo noodles are thin, short-cut noodles. If you can’t find them, vermicelli or angel hair pasta broken into small pieces works as a substitute.
You can use store-bought tomato puree, but fresh blended tomatoes offer a brighter flavor.
For a heartier version, add cooked shredded chicken or vegetables like zucchini or carrots.

Additional Tips:

Key to Perfect Fideo Noodles: The toasting process is crucial to bring out the nutty, rich flavor of the noodles. Stir constantly to ensure they don’t burn.
Customizing the Broth: While chicken broth is traditional, you can easily swap it with vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian. For a richer taste, try adding a small splash of chicken bouillon.
Adding Protein: Want to make this a heartier meal? Toss in shredded chicken or beef, or add cooked black beans for a vegetarian-friendly protein boost.
Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red chili flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic.
Make it Ahead: This fideo soup recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch, and the flavors will deepen over time in the fridge. Simply reheat on the stovetop, adding more broth if needed.
Fideo Variations: You can switch out fideo noodles for other pasta types like orzo or even small elbow macaroni to switch things up while keeping the essence of the dish.

Recipe Variants:

Creamy Fideo Soup: Add a splash of cream or milk to the soup for a richer texture.
Fideo with Chicken: Incorporate shredded chicken for a more filling meal.
Spicy Fideo Soup: Include chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Vegetarian Fideo Soup: Use vegetable broth and add more veggies like zucchini or carrots.
Fideo with Chorizo: Add browned chorizo to give the soup a smoky, meaty flavor.

This fideo recipe is a humble yet heartwarming dish that brings comfort with every bite. Whether you enjoy it as a starter, a side, or even a light main course, this sopa de fideo recipe is perfect for any occasion. The best part? It’s versatile enough to suit your taste, whether you want to spice it up or add your favorite protein. Give it a try and you’ll see why fideo noodles recipes are loved by so many! And if you’re new to this dish, this easy fideo soup recipe is a great place to start.