Mexican cuisine · Soups & Stews

Sopa de Fideo

Golden-toasted fideo noodles simmered in puréed tomato broth – Mexico's everyday comfort soup.

Ingredients · for 4 servings

• 200g fideo noodles (or thin vermicelli)
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1/2 white onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1.2 liters chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp oil
• 1 avocado
• 80g queso fresco (or feta)
• 1 lime
• Salt, pepper

Instructions

1. Blend the tomatoes, onion and garlic with a cup of broth until smooth, then press through a sieve.
2. Heat the oil in a pot and toast the noodles, stirring constantly, for 3–4 minutes until evenly nut-brown but not dark.
3. Carefully pour in the puréed tomato mixture – it will splatter – and simmer for 3 minutes until the color deepens.
4. Top up with the remaining broth, season with salt and pepper, and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup rest for 2 minutes so it thickens slightly.
6. Ladle into bowls and serve with diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco and a squeeze of lime.