Sopa de Fideos Recipe

Vegetable oil: Used for toasting the fideo pasta to a golden brown color.

Fideo pasta: A short, thin pasta that is toasted before being added to the soup.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the soup.

Garlic: Provides a rich, aromatic depth to the broth.

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding a savory and hearty flavor.

Diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the soup.

Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

To achieve a deeper, more complex flavor in your sopa de fideos, make sure to toast the fideo pasta until it reaches a rich, golden brown color. This step not only enhances the taste but also adds a delightful nutty aroma to the dish. Additionally, when sautéing the onion and garlic, take your time to cook them until they are fully softened and slightly caramelized. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a richer flavor and is a healthier fat option.

• fideo pasta - Substitute with angel hair pasta: Angel hair pasta can be broken into smaller pieces to mimic the size and texture of fideo pasta.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available; it provides a similar flavor profile.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes will provide a similar texture and flavor, though the soup may be slightly thicker.

• ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander offers a different but complementary flavor that can add depth to the soup.

• Allow the sopa de fideos to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
• Transfer the soup to an airtight container. For best results, use containers that are specifically designed for storing soups and stews.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Pour the cooled sopa de fideos into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.
• If using freezer bags, lay them flat in the freezer to save space and ensure even freezing.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Label the containers or bags with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the fideo pasta.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving to revive its vibrant flavor.

• Stovetop method:

  1. Pour the leftover sopa de fideos into a saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the soup's consistency.
  3. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup is thoroughly warmed.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch of salt or pepper.

• Microwave method:

  1. Transfer the sopa de fideos to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second increments if needed.

• Oven method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sopa de fideos in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the soup from drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is hot throughout.
  5. Stir gently before serving to ensure even temperature distribution.

• Slow cooker method:

  1. Pour the leftover sopa de fideos into the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Cover and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once heated, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

• Double boiler method:

  1. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the sopa de fideos in the top pot.
  3. Stir occasionally and heat until the soup is warmed through.
  4. This method is gentle and helps prevent the soup from scorching.

• Pot: Used to heat the oil and cook the fideo pasta, as well as to simmer the soup.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the pasta, onions, and garlic without scratching the pot.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vegetable oil and ground cumin accurately.

• Measuring cup: Necessary for measuring the fideo pasta and chicken broth.

• Can opener: Required to open the can of diced tomatoes.

• Ladle: Useful for serving the hot soup into bowls.

• Serving bowls: Used to serve the soup.

• Tongs: Handy for handling the pasta while it browns, if needed.

• Spatula: Can be used to scrape down the sides of the pot and ensure all ingredients are well mixed.

Pre-toast the pasta: Toast the fideo pasta in advance and store it in an airtight container to save time when you’re ready to cook.

Use pre-chopped vegetables: Buy pre-chopped onion and minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Opt for canned broth: Use canned chicken broth instead of making it from scratch to speed up the process.

Batch cook: Make a larger batch of sopa de fideos and freeze portions for quick meals later.

One-pot method: Cook everything in one pot to reduce cleanup time.