Fideo soup is a simple yet comforting pasta soup that is a staple in every Mexican household. This fideo recipe is made by pan-frying a short angel hair-style pasta and then adding in a light and savory tomato broth.
Sopa de Fideo: A Comforting Bowl of Tradition
This Mexican dietitian loves the warmth and comfort of a bowl of sopita aka sopa de fideo. This simple yet flavorful fideo soup has been a staple in Mexican kitchens for generations, often evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. But beyond its nostalgic value, Sopa de Fideo can also be nutritious and balanced. This simple fideo recipe was every Mexican kid’s favorite meal! It is super picky-eater friendly, easy to make, affordable, and comforting. You can make an entire pot of fideo soup for about $5.00. Growing up, I had no idea that this simple dish would be so meaningful to me. When I’m having a rough day, I can just take 15 minutes to whip it up and curl up on the couch watching telenovelas and sipping my sopita de fideo.
The Tradition of Sopa de Fideo
Sopa de Fideo is a classic Mexican soup made with thin, toasted thin-sized noodles (fideo), simmered in a tomato-based broth. The dish is often enriched with a blend of garlic, onions, and sometimes vegetables or proteins, depending on the region and family tradition. It’s a humble dish, yet it carries the flavors of home, offering a taste of satisfying and nourishing comfort.
In many Mexican households, Sopa de Fideo is a go-to recipe, particularly as a starter for lunch or as a light dinner. It’s very popular with the kiddos and adults alike. Its simplicity makes it a perfect dish for those who are starting to learn to cook traditional Mexican food.
Sopa de Fideo Ingredients
Sopa de Fideo is ready in 5 easy steps and you’ll only need these 6 ingredients to make this easy soup recipe:
- Fideo (Mexican pasta)
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth/bouillon
- Oil
I don’t recommend substituting any of these ingredients if possible. The only ingredient that could be difficult to find is the fideo pasta. Fideo is just Mexican pasta that you can find in any Mexican grocery store. If you don’t have a Mexican grocery store close by, try Safeway, Lucky, or any large grocery stores like these. You can also use thin spaghetti and cut it up into smaller peices.
5 Easy Steps to Cook Sopa de Fideo
- Fry the fideo pasta in a bit of neutral oil until golden brown. Stir consistently and do not leave unattended. This step adds more flavor and is the authentic way to make it. Fry for 5-6 minutes or until the pasta looks golden brown:
2. Add tomatoes, onion, garlic, and about 1/2 cup of vegetable broth to a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Once the fideo is golden brown, add the tomato puree and let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour vegetable broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, quickly reduce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until fideo is soft but not breaking apart.
5. Taste and add salt as needed. Serve with a bit of cilantro and a side of tortillas.
Tips for Making the Perfect Sopa de Fideo
Garnish Wisely: Top your Sopa de Fideo with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and perhaps a few slices of avocado. These toppings add brightness and depth to the soup, making each bite even more flavorful!
Avoid Burning or Overcooking the Noodles: Toasting the fideo noodles before adding them to the broth is key to achieving the dish’s signature nutty flavor. Make sure to stir them frequently to avoid burning. Do not simmer for too long to avoid overcooking the fideo. Mexican-style pasta is much thinner than regular pasta and cooks faster.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions will give your soup the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute, but choose a high-quality brand with no added sugars or preservatives.
Customize Your Broth: While traditional recipes call for a chicken or vegetable broth, you can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan by using a plant-based broth. I love using Better than Bouillon as the base but vegan Knorr is also a great option.
Use your Favorite Pasta: There are many different kinds of fideo. I personally love the little star-shaped ones. If you’re not a huge fan of thin pasta, use regular! Fideo can get soft/soggy quicker and has less texture overall.
Sopa de Fideo pero Balanced
From a nutritional standpoint, Sopa de Fideo can be made into a balanced dish by adding vegetables and protein. The base of the soup—tomatoes, garlic, and onions—provides a good dose of vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. The fideo noodles, while typically made from refined wheat, lack fiber but adding vegetables can make up for that lost fiber. You can also swap for whole-grain or gluten-free versions based on your dietary preferences.
For added protein, you can add beans, tofu, or even shredded chicken if you’re not strictly plant-based. You can also add a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or spinach, to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the soup. This not only makes the soup more filling but also enhances its flavor and nutritional profile. The typical sopa de fideo is just carbohydrates with a bit of veggies in the broth so I encourage you to add more veggies and some protein! I love adding chickpeas for protein and zucchini for more vegetables. Here are other options that would go well in this soup: lentils, pinto beans, carrots, potatoes, spinach, jackfruit, chick’en.
If you’re feeling up for it, make my crispy black bean flautas to go along with it:
A Bowl of Comfort, Anytime
Sopa de Fideo is more than just a soup—it’s a bowl of comfort that brings the flavors of Mexico to your table in a nourishing and simple way. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish that’s rooted in tradition, Sopa de Fideo is a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone. So next time you’re craving something warm and satisfying, give this classic Mexican soup a try and experience the joy of a dish that’s as comforting as childhood memories.
Other Easy Mexican Recipes:
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Sopa De Fideo (Fideo Recipe)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Sopa de fideo is a simple yet comforting pasta soup that is a staple in every Mexican household. It’s a super easy 6-ingredient, short angel hair-style pasta in a light and savory tomato broth.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Fideo pasta (see above)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 roma tomatoes
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 8 cups vegetable broth
Toppings:
- Cilantro
- Fresh Lime juice
- Avocado slices
Instructions
- Add tomatoes, onion, garlic, and about 1/2 cup of vegetable broth to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Place a pot on medium heat and add oil. Once oil is hot, add the fideo and fry until golden brown. Move frequently to avoid burning!
- Once fideo is golden brown, add the tomato puree and let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, quickly reduce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until fideo is soft but not breaking apart.
- Taste and add salt as needed. Serve with a bit of cilantro, and fresh lime juice and enjoy.
Notes
*best when fresh
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: Mexican
Love this recipe! Takes me back to my childhood.
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Exactly how I remember sopita tastes. My mom didn’t write down any of her recipes so I’m very grateful for this! Thank you
You have a recipe for every occasion, I love it!
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Made it!! Was super delicious!!!
Yay! Thank you Michelle 🙂