Caldo de Fideo

Caldo de Fideo Recipe - Traditional Bolivian Comfort Food

Region / culture: Bolivia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Caldo de Fideo is a traditional Peruvian soup that is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. This soup is perfect for cold evenings and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Caldo de Fideo has been a staple in Peruvian cuisine for generations. It is a simple yet delicious soup that is often made with ingredients that are readily available in the Andean region.

Ingredients

Large fresh or dried green beans (known as Habas – can be substituted with butter beans)
1 cup chopped white onion
1.5 cups chopped carrot
0.25 cup chopped salt pork
20 halved new potatoes
1 cup twistie noodles
1 tbsp olive oil
2 dried Aji Arequipina or whole dried hot pepper (substitute)
1 tbsp salt

How to prepare

Boil potatoes and beans until they are lightly cooked. Separate them from the cooking water and set them aside.
In a large soup pot, combine the beans, onion, carrot, salt pork, and salt. Simmer them together.
In a separate frying pan, lightly sauté the noodles in olive oil until they are slightly browned in some parts. Add them to the soup pot and let them simmer. This step will result in a strong al-dente texture when the noodles are later boiled.
Grind the aji with a bit of tomato for moisture, until it becomes a fine paste. Add this paste to the soup pot.
Continue simmering in the soup pot until the pasta is almost cooked. Then, add the potatoes and simmer until both the pasta and potatoes are fully cooked.
This soup is a wonderful treat in the evening, especially when temperatures plunge and the skies sparkle in the thin mountain air.
I cannot fail to mention that the taste of this soup is enhanced by being cooked on an open wood flame. The rich smoke combines with the salt pork to create much of its savory flavor.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or beef for extra protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.
Add a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the noodles before adding them to the soup pot. This will give them a nice texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.

- Cooking the soup on an open wood flame will enhance the flavor and give it a smoky taste.

- Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Caldo de Fideo with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the potatoes and beans separately before adding them to the soup pot.

- Sauté the noodles in olive oil for added flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the salt pork with bacon or ham.

- Use any type of pasta if twistie noodles are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Caldo de Fideo can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Caldo de Fideo with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Fats: 5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the noodles and may contain traces of pork.

Summary

Caldo de Fideo is a nutritious and filling soup that is perfect for a comforting meal.

Summary

Caldo de Fideo is a delicious and comforting Peruvian soup that is perfect for cold evenings. This hearty soup is full of flavor and is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Caldo de Fideo. It was a warm summer day many years ago, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and I always admired the way she effortlessly created delicious dishes from scratch.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of simmering tomatoes and spices. Maria was standing over a pot, stirring a fragrant broth filled with golden-brown noodles. "What are you making, Maria?" I asked, my mouth watering at the delicious scent.

Maria smiled warmly and explained that she was making Caldo de Fideo, a traditional Mexican soup that her mother used to make for her when she was a child. She invited me to stay for lunch, and I eagerly accepted, curious to taste this comforting dish that held so many memories for her.

As we sat down to eat, Maria ladled steaming bowls of Caldo de Fideo into our plates, topping them with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. The first spoonful was like a warm hug from the inside out - the rich broth, tender noodles, and aromatic spices all coming together in perfect harmony.

I couldn't get enough of the soup, and I begged Maria to share her recipe with me. She smiled and handed me a well-loved notebook filled with handwritten recipes passed down through generations. As I flipped through the pages, I found the recipe for Caldo de Fideo, written in Maria's elegant script.

Over the years, I made the soup countless times, tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and adding my own personal touch. I would often serve it to my family and friends, who always raved about how delicious it was. It became a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would turn to whenever I needed a taste of comfort and nostalgia.

As I cooked the Caldo de Fideo, I would think back to that fateful day in Maria's kitchen and how it had sparked my love for this simple yet deeply satisfying dish. I remembered the way Maria had shared her recipe with me, passing down a piece of her family's culinary heritage.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of fragrant broth and noodles, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the recipes that have been passed down to me over the years. Each dish carries a story, a memory, a connection to the past that I treasure and hold dear.

And as I take my first spoonful of Caldo de Fideo, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by love, laughter, and the delicious aroma of simmering soup. It is a moment that I will always cherish, a memory that will forever be ingrained in my heart.

As I finish my bowl of Caldo de Fideo, I can't help but smile, knowing that this recipe will continue to be a part of my family's culinary legacy for generations to come. And I am grateful for the simple joy that a bowl of soup can bring, connecting us to our past and nourishing our souls in the present.