Sopa de Fideos

Authentic Sopa de Fideos Recipe from Mexico with Vermicelli and Beef Broth

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

Introduction

Sopa de Fideos is a traditional Mexican soup made with noodles, broth, and a flavorful tomato base. This comforting and hearty dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a Mexican-themed meal.

History

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

Ingredients

0.5 cup of uncooked vermicelli noodles, broken into small pieces
1 tbsp of bacon fat or oil
0.5 cup of finely chopped onion
3 tbsp of tomato purée
2.5 cans (15 oz (425 g) each) of beef broth (approximately 5 cups)
0.5 cup of grated jack or white cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Heat fat or oil in a skillet.
Add noodles and fry until they turn light brown.
Remove the noodles from the skillet.
In the same fat, sauté onions until they become soft.
Add tomato puree and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir the mixture constantly.
Simmer the puree, noodles, and broth in a large pan until the noodles become tender, which usually takes 6 to 8 minutes.
Add salt and pepper according to your taste.
Sprinkle the dish with cheese and serve.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or beef for a heartier version of the soup.
Stir in a can of diced tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado for a touch of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to break the noodles into small pieces before frying to ensure they cook evenly.

- Sautéing the onions until they are soft will help to develop their flavor and add depth to the soup.

- Simmering the noodles in the broth allows them to absorb the flavors of the tomato base and become tender.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Frying the noodles before simmering them in the broth helps to enhance their flavor and texture.

- Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and comforting dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

- Substitute different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or cotija, for a unique twist on the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of Sopa de Fideos with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Sopa de Fideos with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Sopa de Fideos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat until warmed 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 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

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

Proteins

Each serving of Sopa de Fideos contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Sopa de Fideos contains wheat and dairy allergens.

Summary

Sopa de Fideos is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sopa de Fideos is a delicious and comforting Mexican soup that is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a Mexican-themed meal. With its rich tomato base, tender noodles, and gooey cheese topping, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my mother with the laundry. As I was sitting in the kitchen, wiping the sweat off my brow, I heard a knock on the door. I opened it to find my dear friend Maria standing there, holding a basket full of fresh vegetables.

"Hello, mi amiga! I brought you some vegetables from my garden. I thought you might like to make some sopa de fideos," she said with a smile.

I was delighted by her thoughtful gesture. Sopa de fideos was a dish I had always loved, but never quite knew how to make. Maria had always been an excellent cook, and I knew her recipe would be something truly special.

As we sat at the kitchen table, she began to tell me the story of how she learned to make sopa de fideos. It was a recipe that had been passed down through her family for generations, originating from her abuela in Mexico. She described how her abuela would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully preparing each ingredient with love and care.

"I remember watching her as a young girl, marveling at how effortlessly she would transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal," Maria said wistfully.

She went on to explain the process of making sopa de fideos, from toasting the noodles to simmering the broth with fresh vegetables and spices. Her words painted a vivid picture in my mind, and I could practically smell the savory aroma of the soup wafting through the kitchen.

After she had finished recounting the recipe, Maria handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions neatly written out. I thanked her profusely, promising to try my hand at making sopa de fideos that very evening.

As I gathered the ingredients and began to cook, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The familiar scents and flavors of the dish brought back memories of my own abuela, who had taught me so much about cooking when I was a young girl. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the process, just as Maria had done earlier that day.

As the soup began to simmer on the stove, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had finally mastered the art of making sopa de fideos, thanks to the generosity and wisdom of my dear friend Maria.

When the soup was ready, I ladled it into bowls and served it to my family with a side of warm tortillas. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. The flavors were rich and comforting, a true taste of home.

From that day on, sopa de fideos became a staple in our household. I would often make it for special occasions or simply to warm our hearts on a chilly evening. Each time I prepared the dish, I would think of Maria and her abuela, grateful for the gift of their recipe and the memories it brought with it.

In a way, sopa de fideos had become more than just a soup to me. It was a connection to my past, a reminder of the strong women who had shaped me into the cook I had become. And for that, I would always be grateful.