Fideo Soup Easy Recipe

Are you craving something warm, hearty, and comforting? Well, look no further than Fideo Soup! This simple yet delicious dish is a favorite in many kitchens, offering a blend of savory flavors and a smooth, satisfying texture. Fideo soup is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine, often made with short strands of vermicelli pasta and a rich, flavorful broth. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to be both incredibly easy to make and infinitely customizable. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, Fideo soup is guaranteed to be a hit.

In this article, we’ll walk you through an easy-to-follow recipe that you can whip up in no time. We’ll also dive into ingredient insights, expert tips, recipe variations, and more, so you can truly make this dish your own. Let’s get started!

Here’s a simple and tasty way to prepare Fideo Soup at home. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a bowl of comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients Needed

Fideo (vermicelli noodles) – about 1 cup. This is the base of the soup, so don’t skip it!
Tomatoes – 2 medium-sized, chopped or blended into a puree. This provides that rich, earthy tomato flavor.
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. The garlic gives the broth an aromatic base.
Onion – 1 small, chopped. The onion adds a mild sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups. This is the liquid that ties everything together.
Oil – 2 tbsp. You’ll use this to sauté the fideo and other ingredients.
Chili powder – 1 tsp. This will give the soup a slight kick, but feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Cumin – 1 tsp. Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the broth.
Salt and pepper – To taste. These will enhance the flavors and bring everything together.
Fresh cilantro – A handful, chopped, for garnish. Adds a fresh, herby touch at the end.

Cooking Instructions

Sauté The Fideo

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the fideo noodles and toast them lightly for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You’re looking for a golden brown color.
Cook The Aromatics

Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot with the toasted noodles. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add Tomatoes And Spices

Stir in the chopped or pureed tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and become saucy. This creates a rich, flavorful base.
Add Broth And Simmer

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
Season And Serve

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of your homemade Fideo Soup!

Ingredient Insights

Understanding your ingredients makes all the difference in creating a memorable dish. Here’s a deeper dive into the key components of Fideo soup:

Fideo (Vermicelli Noodles): These thin noodles are a staple in many Latin American dishes. Their quick cooking time and ability to absorb flavors make them ideal for soups like this one. You can find them in most grocery stores, usually near other pasta products.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the backbone of the soup’s flavor profile. They add a slight tanginess and natural sweetness to balance out the spices. Using fresh tomatoes will give you a vibrant flavor, but canned tomatoes or tomato paste can work in a pinch.
Garlic and Onion: These two are classic aromatics that form the flavor base of countless dishes. Garlic brings depth with its pungency, while onions add sweetness when sautéed. Together, they create the perfect foundation for your broth.
Broth: The liquid of choice for Fideo soup is typically chicken or vegetable broth. The broth is essential because it infuses the noodles with flavor and helps create the soup’s rich texture. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought is perfectly acceptable as long as it’s a good-quality one.
Spices (Chili Powder & Cumin): These spices are essential for that distinct flavor of Fideo soup. Chili powder gives it a mild heat, while cumin adds a smoky, earthy undertone that’s hard to beat.

Expert Tips

Toast the noodles well: Don’t rush the toasting process. Toasting the noodles enhances their flavor and texture, giving them a golden, slightly crispy exterior. This makes them even more satisfying when they absorb the broth.
Adjust the spice level: If you love spice, feel free to amp up the chili powder or even add a fresh chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder soup, skip the chili powder altogether or reduce the amount.
Blend the tomatoes for a smoother broth: If you like a silky smooth soup, blend your tomatoes before adding them to the pot. This will create a velvety texture and an even distribution of tomato flavor throughout the soup.
Serve with a side: Fideo soup pairs wonderfully with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of crumbled cheese like Cotija or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Recipe Variations

Fideo Soup is incredibly versatile, and you can play with the ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Here are a few ideas for variations:

Add protein: You can easily turn this soup into a more substantial meal by adding shredded chicken, beef, or even ground pork. Just cook the protein along with the onions and garlic for extra flavor.
Veggie-loaded version: Add in vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a healthier, more colorful soup. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
Creamy Fideo Soup: For a richer version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. This will make the broth creamy and indulgent.
Spicy Fideo Soup: If you want a real kick, add some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also experiment with other chili powders like ancho or pasilla for a different flavor profile.

Final Words

Fideo Soup is a true comfort food, easy to make, and even easier to love. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed year-round, whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or serving up something delicious for your family or friends. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity-you can follow the base recipe and adjust it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

From the toasted fideo noodles to the savory broth, every element of this soup is designed to make you feel at home. So, gather your ingredients, give this recipe a try, and get ready to enjoy a big bowl of comforting goodness!

Fideo Soup Easy Recipe