This Fideo Pasta Soup is a cozy dish packed with tiny pasta, fresh veggies, and a warm broth that hugs you with every spoonful. It’s simple, comforting, and just the kind of meal to cheer you up!
It’s like a big, warm hug in a bowl! I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top—because who can resist cheese? This soup is perfect for a chilly day or whenever you need a bit of joy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fideo Pasta: This thin, vermicelli-like pasta is key to this dish. If you can’t find fideo, you can use broken angel hair or thin spaghetti instead. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they might require slight adjustments.
Tomato Puree: The puree adds a rich flavor and color. If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to substitute them by blending them into a puree. Canned tomatoes work well too, just use a blender to achieve a smooth texture.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian option. Homemade broth is amazing if you have it on hand, and you can even use water in a pinch—just season it well!
Cumin: This spice adds warmth and earthy notes to the soup. If you don’t have cumin, try a pinch of chili powder or even a bit of smoked paprika for a different twist.
How Do I Toast Pasta Properly?
Toasting the fideo pasta is a key step that enhances its flavor. This technique brings out a nutty taste and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Start by heating oil in your pot over medium heat.
- Add the pasta and stir constantly to avoid burning. It should take about 3-4 minutes to turn golden brown.
- Keep an eye on it! Once it’s golden, proceed with adding your onions and garlic to develop even more flavors.
Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as you toast the pasta! It’s a small step that really makes a difference in the final soup.
Fideo Pasta Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup fideo pasta (thin vermicelli broken into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup tomato puree (canned or fresh blended tomatoes)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Optional: a small dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Fideo Pasta Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal in just about 35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. This will create the base for your soup and help the flavors to develop.
2. Toasting the Fideo:
Once the oil is hot, add the fideo pasta to the pot. Toast the pasta, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning—this step adds a delicious, nutty flavor to your soup!
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant. This will enhance the flavors throughout your dish.
4. Adding the Tomato Puree:
Pour in the tomato puree and stir to combine with the toasted pasta and aromatics. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes to allow the tomato flavor to deepen.
5. Pouring in the Broth:
Next, add the chicken (or vegetable) broth to the pot and stir well. Bring the soup to a gentle boil. It’s starting to smell amazing!
6. Seasoning the Soup:
Add the ground cumin, and season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. This will give it that extra layer of flavor.
7. Simmering:
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the fideo pasta is tender. You want it to have a little bite but be fully cooked.
8. Taste Testing:
Give your soup a taste at this point. Adjust any seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
9. Serving Up:
Serve the hot soup in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. For a delicious touch, add a dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream if you wish. Enjoy this comforting, warm meal!
Happy cooking! This Fideo Pasta Soup is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your day!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Yes, if you can’t find fideo, you can substitute it with broken pieces of angel hair or thin spaghetti. Just watch the cooking time, as these may cook faster or slower than fideo.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The tomato and spices will still create a rich flavor, making it a delicious vegetarian option!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the soup for added nutrition and texture. Just make sure to sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the tomato puree.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the pasta absorbs too much broth, add a splash of water or broth as needed to loosen it up.