Some recipes aren’t just food, they’re a hug from home. Mercadito Hispano’s Sopa de Fideo is one of those dishes. It’s the kind of soup that can turn a rainy day into a warm memory, the kind your abuela made without measuring a single thing yet somehow nailed every time. Chef Jose Gonzalez keeps that tradition alive with a simple, flavorful bowl of toasted noodles swimming in rich tomato broth. Whether you pair it with tortillas, pan dulce, or just eat it straight from the pot while standing over the stove (we won’t judge), this is comfort served steaming.
By Jose Gonzalez of Mercadito Hispano, Serves 4
Ingredients:
• 1 package La Moderna fideo (7 oz)
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive)
• 1 ½ tablespoons Naturas tomato paste
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon Knorr chicken bouillon (or to taste)
Optional (but delicious):
• ¼ onion (finely chopped)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• A squeeze of lime before serving
Instructions:
1. Toast the fideo:
In a medium pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the fideo and stir constantly until golden brown (about 4–5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it.
2. Add flavor:
If using, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste:
Add the Naturas tomato paste and mix to coat the noodles evenly.
4. Add water and bouillon:
Pour in 4 cups of water and stir in the Knorr chicken bouillon. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
6. Serve:
Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired. Enjoy hot with tortillas or pan dulce on the side.
So the next time life gets too loud, slow it down with a pot of Sopa de Fideo. Let the noodles soak up the flavor, the steam fog your glasses, and the first spoonful remind you that the simplest meals are often the most powerful. This is more than dinner. It’s tradition, it’s love, and it’s proof that a good soup can fix just about anything.
