This traditional Mexican noodle soup is a comforting, brothy dish that works as a light starter or a main meal. It features browned pasta simmered in a savory tomato and garlic base.
List of ingredients
- 8 oz fideo pasta (or vermicelli, angel hair pasta) – the main starch of the soup.
- 2 small tomatoes (or ½ cup of canned tomato sauce) – used for the base broth.
- ½ medium onion – provides aromatic depth.
- 1 small garlic clove – adds a pungent, savory flavor.
- 4 ¼ cups chicken stock (or water + 3 tsp of chicken bouillon) – the liquid base.
- 3 Tbsp canola oil – used for browning the noodles.
- salt – to taste for seasoning.
step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the puree: Cut tomatoes in half and place them with the onion and garlic in a blender.
- Blend: Add 1 cup of chicken stock and blend until pureed.
- Heat oil: Preheat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Brown the pasta: Add pasta and stir to coat with oil. Cook stirring constantly until the pasta is nicely browned.
- Sizzle the sauce: Pour the tomato sauce. Let it sizzle while mixing for about half a minute.
- Boil: Add remaining chicken stock. Season with salt and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until fideo pasta is well cooked.
- Finish: Adjust salt to taste and serve immediately.
Choosing the Right Pasta Shape
Traditional Fideo Noodles
Fideo is essentially spaghetti that has been broken into small pieces. This shape is ideal because it provides a consistent texture and absorbs the tomato broth evenly without becoming too mushy.
Using Vermicelli or Angel Hair
If fideo is unavailable, vermicelli or angel hair pasta are the best substitutes. These thin noodles mimic the texture of fideo and cook within the same timeframe, ensuring the broth remains liquid.
Alternative Pasta Shapes
You can use shell pasta (conchitas), star pasta (estrellitas), or alphabet pasta. Each shape changes the name of the soup and slightly alters how the broth clings to the noodle, but the cooking method remains the same.
Optimizing the Tomato Broth
Working with Fresh Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes provide a brighter, more acidic flavor to the soup. To ensure a smooth consistency, blend them thoroughly with the onion and garlic until no large chunks remain.
Substituting with Tomato Sauce
Canned tomato sauce is a convenient alternative that provides a deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor. Use ½ cup of sauce and adjust the chicken stock amount to maintain the desired broth consistency.
Creating a Smoky Flavor Profile
To add depth, roast the tomatoes and onions in a cast-iron skillet or on a comal before blending. This caramelizes the natural sugars and introduces a charred note to the final soup.
Adding Spices for Complexity
One teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder can be added during the sizzling phase. This introduces a subtle heat and smokiness that complements the savory chicken stock.
Dietary Adjustments and Healthier Options
Converting to a Vegan Recipe
Replace the chicken stock and bouillon with a high-quality vegetable stock. You can also add diced carrots or celery to the broth to increase the nutritional value and texture of the vegan version.
Reducing Fat Content
Instead of frying the noodles in oil, toast them over low heat in a dry frying pan. This creates a toasted flavor without the added calories from canola oil, though the browning will be less intense.
Skip the Toasting Phase
For the lowest calorie option, add the uncooked pasta directly into the boiling tomato broth. Note that this will result in a different texture and a less nutty flavor compared to the browned version.
Serving and Garnish Ideas
The Essential Lime Squeeze
A fresh squeeze of lime juice added just before eating cuts through the richness of the oil and stock. The acidity brightens the tomato base and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Creamy Toppings
A dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the hot broth. This is especially useful if you have added spicy elements like chipotle to the recipe.
Adding Avocado Slices
Freshly diced or sliced avocado adds healthy fats and a buttery texture. Place the avocado on top of the soup just before serving to prevent it from breaking down in the heat.
Incorporating Cheese
Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco made with microbial rennet over the top. The salty, mild flavor of the cheese complements the acidity of the tomatoes and the savoriness of the stock.
Using Fresh Cilantro
Chopped cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note to the dish. You can either stir it into the pot during the last minute of simmering or use it as a fresh garnish on top.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Refrigeration and Shelf Life
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the soup has cooled slightly before sealing the container to avoid excessive condensation.
Managing Noodle Absorption
Pasta continues to absorb liquid even after the heat is turned off. Over time, the soup may turn into a thick porridge rather than a brothy soup if stored for several days.
Proper Reheating Technique
Place the leftovers in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of extra chicken stock or water to restore the liquid consistency before heating through.
Avoid Microwave Overcooking
If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir in between. Adding a tablespoon of water before microwaving prevents the noodles from becoming overly soft or dry.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Preventing Burnt Pasta
Fideo noodles have a small surface area and can burn quickly. Keep the pasta moving constantly with a spoon or spatula until it reaches an even, golden-brown color.
Correcting Too Much Thickener
If the soup becomes too thick during simmering, stir in additional hot chicken stock. This will thin the broth without altering the flavor profile of the dish.
Handling Overcooked Noodles
If the pasta becomes too soft, reduce the simmering time in future batches. To fix overcooked noodles in the current pot, serve the soup immediately to prevent further degradation.
Balancing Salt Levels
Since chicken bouillon and stock vary in sodium content, always taste the broth before adding extra salt. If it is too salty, add a small amount of water or a squeeze of lime to balance it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use water, but you must add chicken bouillon or a vegetable base to provide flavor. Plain water will result in a bland soup that lacks the necessary savory depth.
Why do the noodles absorb all the broth?
Pasta is porous and naturally absorbs liquid as it sits. This is why it is recommended to serve the soup immediately or add more liquid when reheating leftovers.
What is the best oil for browning the pasta?
Canola oil is recommended because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use vegetable oil or grapeseed oil for similar results.
How do I keep the soup from becoming a porridge?
Avoid overcooking the pasta during the simmer phase. Once the noodles are tender, remove the pot from the heat immediately to stop the cooking process.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, finely diced carrots, peas, or corn can be added after the tomato sauce sizzles. Simmer the vegetables along with the pasta for a more complete meal.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Freezing is not recommended because the pasta texture degrades significantly. The noodles often become mushy and lose their structure upon thawing and reheating.
Print
Mexican Fideo Soup (Traditional Tomato Noodle Soup)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
Mexican fideo soup is a staple in Mexican households. A deliciously brothy and comforting meal like no other that is enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fideo pasta (or vermicelli, angel hair pasta)
- 2 small tomatoes (or ½ cup of canned tomato sauce)
- ½ medium onion
- 1 small garlic clove
- 4 ¼ cups chicken stock (or water + 3 tsp of chicken bouillon)
- 3 Tbsp canola oil
- salt
Instructions
- Step: Cut tomatoes in half and place them with the onion and garlic in a blender.
- Step: Add 1 cup of chicken stock and blend until pureed.
- Step: Preheat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Step: Add pasta and stir to coat with oil. Cook stirring constantly until the pasta is nicely browned.
- Step: Pour the tomato sauce. Let it sizzle while mixing for about half a minute.
- Step: Add remaining chicken stock. Season with salt and bring to a boil.
- Step: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until fideo pasta is well cooked.
- Step: Adjust salt to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
Vegan option: Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock and add diced vegetables. Healthier option: Toast noodles at very low heat instead of frying. For a smoky flavor, roast the tomatoes and onions in a skillet before blending.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: soups
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 357 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 81 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg