Description
Fideo is a comforting Mexican noodle dish made with toasted vermicelli-style noodles cooked in a savory, rich tomato-based broth. This classic Mexican comfort food, also known as sopa de fideo or “Mexican noodle soup,” is perfect for a cozy family meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it can be served as a side dish or a satisfying main course, with plenty of room for customization. Whether enjoyed on its own or alongside other traditional dishes, this fideo recipe will bring warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 package of fideo noodles (7 oz) – You can substitute with broken vermicelli or angel hair pasta if fideo isn’t available.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For toasting the noodles and sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds depth of flavor to the broth.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Essential for adding a classic savory taste.
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, blended into a puree – You can also use canned tomatoes if fresh aren’t available.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth – Choose based on your preference for flavor; vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Seasoning for the broth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional) – Adds a warm, earthy flavor to enhance the broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – Gives a slight smoky note to the dish.
- Optional garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges – For squeezing over each serving
- Crumbled queso fresco – A perfect finishing touch for extra creaminess
Instructions
1. Toast the Noodles
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the fideo noodles to the skillet and toast them, stirring frequently until they become golden brown. This should take about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let them burn.
- Once toasted, remove the noodles from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it turns translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Prepare the Tomato Base
- Add the blended Roma tomatoes to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomato mixture to thicken and its flavor to deepen. You should see the sauce reduce slightly and darken in color.
4. Combine Noodles and Broth
- Once the tomato base is ready, add the toasted fideo noodles back into the skillet. Stir to coat the noodles with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to ensure all noodles are submerged.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed much of the liquid.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a bit more broth if needed for a soupier consistency.
5. Season and Serve
- Once the noodles are tender, season with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika to taste.
- Serve the fideo hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, a wedge of lime, and crumbled queso fresco if desired.
Notes
Make it Your Own: Fideo is incredibly versatile—feel free to add shredded chicken, beef, or shrimp to make it a complete meal. You can also add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn for a boost of nutrition and color, making it a well-rounded dish everyone will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg