Simple Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 8 oz vermicelli noodles (uncooked)
• 1 onion (medium, small dice (about 1 cup))
• 1 tbsp garlic (minced (about 1 tbsp))
• 1 tsp cumin
• 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes (can)
• 6 cup chicken broth
• 1 jalapeño (medium, whole (optional))
• 2 tbsp lime juice (from 1 large lime)
• 0.25 bunch fresh cilantro (optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Add the vegetable oil to a large soup pot. Break the vermicelli noodles into one to two inch sections and then add them to the pot.

2. 2

   Cook the dry noodles in the oil over medium-low heat while constantly stirring for 3-5 minutes, or until the noodles have turned golden brown and are slightly blistered. You may need to brown the noodles in batches.

3. 3

   Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and cumin to the pot with the noodles and continue to cook and stir for a few minutes more, or until the onions have softened.

4. 4

   Add a little of the juice from the can of tomatoes to the pot to stop the browning of the noodles.

5. 5

   Use a blender or immersion blender to purée the canned tomatoes along with their remaining juices.

6. 6

   Add the puréed tomatoes to the pot with the noodles, along with the six cups of chicken broth.

7. 7

   If using a jalapeño pepper, add it to the pot whole (this gives a slight jalapeño flavor without too much heat).

8. 8

   Place a lid on the pot, turn the heat up to medium high, and allow it to come to a boil. Let the pot simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the noodles are soft.

9. 9

   Add lime juice and roughly chopped cilantro leaves to the finished soup just before serving.

10. 10

    Feel free to slice the jalapeño and use it as a garnish when serving.

Notes

If the noodles absorb too much liquid, feel free to add more tomato sauce or broth if desired. For a heartier meal, add shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken. Serving suggestions include warm rolled-up tortillas, avocado and tomato salad, pickled red onions, queso fresco, or sour cream.

Nutrition per serving

• soup
• mexican
• comfort food
• pantry staples
• budget-friendly
• easy
• weeknight dinner