What is Fideo?
Fideo is a Mexican pasta. It’s much like spaghetti but rather than long strands it’s cut into small pieces that are about 1 to 2-inches in length. It’s usually made from semolina and durum wheat flour. One of the most frequent ways it’s used in Mexican and Spanish cuisine is in this soup. ‘Sopa de fideo’ translates from Spanish to English as ‘noodle soup.’ It is a mildly flavored soup almost like a classic Italian tomato soup, but with it’s final toppings it takes on bright fresh Mexican flavor instead. It is one of the most foolproof recipes you can make! Plus it’s such a comforting feel good soup that both kids and adults love!
Where to find fideo and is there a substitute?
You can usually find fideo in the Latin section of grocery stores (I’ve found it at Kroger and Target though this could vary regionally) or it can be purchased online. A great substitute is thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, just break into small pieces before adding to soup. Use an equal weight of spaghetti to what is listed.
Sopa de Fideo Soup Recipe Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs roma tomatoes, halved 1 small yellow onion, peeled and halved 3 medium garlic cloves, peeled 3 Tbsp olive oil 1 (7 to 8 oz) pkg. fideo 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (more to thin if desired) Salt and black pepper
Best Toppings to Build up Flavor
Fresh cilantro Fresh lime juice Queso fresco cheese Mexican crema Avocado Cumin, ancho chili powder, red pepper flakes
How to Make Sopa de Fideo
Other Ways to Make It
Canned tomatoes: Though fresh tomatoes are more traditional you could also make this recipe with canned tomatoes. Just use a 28 oz can of whole or diced tomatoes. Roasted option: Make a roasted fideo soup. Roast the tomatoes and even the onion (peeled and sliced) and garlic (peeled) under the broiler on a baking sheet to blacken slightly. Make it spicy: Add minced jalapeno, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Add vegetables: You can add diced vegetables to the soup. Use things such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, cabbage or corn. Just saute them (before sauteing the fideo) then transfer to saute the pasta. Include a protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken into the soup or black beans if you want it heartier.
More Delicious Mexican Inspired Soups to Try
Black Bean Tortilla Soup Chicken Tortilla Soup Mexican Lentil Soup Mexican Vegetable Soup
