Mexican Sopa de Fideos

Mexican Sopa de Fideos Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sopa de Fideos, also known as Mexican noodle soup, is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is made with simple ingredients like noodles, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chicken stock, but the end result is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Sopa de Fideos has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for generations. It is believed to have originated in Spain and was brought to Mexico during the colonial period. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include local ingredients and flavors, making it a beloved dish in Mexican households.

Ingredients

2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2 oz (55 g) spaghetti, vermicelli, or other thin noodle, broken into 2 inches (5 cm) pieces
1 x 15 oz (225 g) can tomatoes with their liquid
1 onion, chopped
2 – 4 cloves garlic, chopped
6 cup (1.5 liter) beef or chicken stock
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
0.25 cup (60 ml) dry sherry (optional)
freshly grated parmesan cheese for garnish

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large pot over high heat and sauté the broken noodles until they are lightly browned.
Meanwhile, combine the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in an electric blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Pour the tomato mixture into the pot with the noodles and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the stock and simmer covered until the noodles are tender, which should take around 5 to 10 minutes.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper and stir in the sherry if desired.
Serve with grated Parmesan on the side.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Stir in some corn or beans for added texture and flavor.
Top with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the noodles before adding the tomato mixture to enhance their flavor.

- You can customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or protein, such as chicken or shrimp.

- For a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

- Don't forget to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sopa de Fideos with a side of warm tortillas or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup covered to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of noodle for this recipe, such as spaghetti or vermicelli.

- If you don't have sherry, you can use white wine or chicken broth as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Sopa de Fideos can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Sopa de Fideos with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sopa de Fideos with a light and refreshing Mexican beer or a glass of chilled white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Sopa de Fideos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sopa de Fideos contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sopa de Fideos contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sopa de Fideos contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sopa de Fideos contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sopa de Fideos is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the noodles and dairy from the Parmesan cheese.

Summary

Sopa de Fideos is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Sopa de Fideos is a delicious and comforting Mexican noodle soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Mexican Sopa de Fideos. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. My abuela, my grandmother, was the one who taught me how to make this delicious soup.

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a hot summer day, and the sun was beating down on us as we sat in the shade of the old avocado tree in the backyard. Abuela had a pot simmering on the stove, filling the air with the mouth-watering aroma of onions and garlic.

"Come here, mija," she called to me, using the term of endearment that she always used. "I want to teach you how to make Sopa de Fideos."

I eagerly jumped up and ran over to her side, excited to learn a new recipe. Abuela had a way of making even the simplest of dishes seem like a culinary masterpiece.

She handed me a bag of fideos, thin noodles that are a staple in Mexican cooking. "First, you need to toast the fideos in a dry skillet until they are golden brown," she instructed me. "This will give the soup a rich, nutty flavor."

I carefully followed her instructions, stirring the noodles in the skillet until they were the perfect shade of brown. Abuela smiled and nodded in approval, her eyes twinkling with pride.

Next, she showed me how to make the broth. She added tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices to a pot of simmering water, letting it all meld together to create a flavorful base for the soup.

As the soup simmered on the stove, Abuela sat me down at the table and told me the story of how she had learned to make Sopa de Fideos. She had grown up in a small village much like ours, where food was simple but full of love.

"When I was a young girl, my mother taught me this recipe," she told me, her voice soft and nostalgic. "She learned it from her mother, who learned it from hers. It has been passed down through generations, just like I am now passing it down to you."

I listened intently, hanging on every word as she shared her memories with me. I could see the love and pride in her eyes as she talked about her family and the traditions that had shaped her.

Finally, the soup was ready. Abuela ladled it into bowls and garnished it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. I took my first bite and was immediately transported to a world of flavor and warmth.

As I savored the soup, I realized that it wasn't just about the ingredients or the technique. It was about the history and the culture that were woven into every spoonful. It was about the love and the memories that made this simple dish so special.

Since that day, I have made Sopa de Fideos countless times, always thinking of my abuela and the generations of women who came before her. I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own.

But no matter how many times I make it, the memories of that hot summer day under the avocado tree will always be with me. The taste of the soup will always bring me back to that moment when I learned the recipe for Mexican Sopa de Fideos from my beloved abuela.