This Fideo Pasta Soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. With tiny pasta, fresh veggies, and a flavorful broth, it’s a hug in a bowl!
Cooking this soup is a breeze! I love how quick it comes together. Just toss everything in the pot and let it do its thing. It’s like magic, but tastier! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fideo Pasta: This thin pasta is the star of the dish. If you can’t find fideo, you can use other small pasta shapes like angel hair or orzo. Just cut them smaller if needed!
Vegetable Oil: A light oil like canola or olive oil works well here. If you’re looking for a healthier option, avocado oil is a great substitute, adding its own mild flavor.
Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes bring brightness and flavor. If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes will work just fine. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Broth: Chicken broth adds richness, but for a vegetarian option, go for vegetable broth. Homemade broth can elevate the flavor even more, but store-bought is perfectly acceptable!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a nice herbal note. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or simply leave it out!
How Do You Toast Pasta Without Burning It?
Toasting fideo pasta is a key step that adds great flavor, but it can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Add the fideo pasta, stirring frequently to ensure even toasting.
- Keep an eye on it; once it starts turning golden, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.
- It usually takes around 2-3 minutes, so be attentive!
This toasted flavor will truly enhance your soup, making it richer and more delicious. Enjoy your cooking! 😊
How to Make Fideo Pasta Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup fideo pasta (thin vermicelli-like pasta)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 small white onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced or 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for mild heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Fideo Pasta Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of cooking time, for a total of around 35-40 minutes. It’s quick and easy—perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you need a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. This will help to toast the pasta and lock in flavors right from the beginning!
2. Toast the Fideo Pasta:
Add the fideo pasta to the pot and keep stirring it frequently. You’ll want to toast the pasta until it turns a nice golden brown color. Just watch closely to avoid burning it, as this should only take around 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Onion:
Once the pasta is toasted, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the pot. Cook them together for another 1-2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. The garlic will add an awesome aroma!
4. Stir in the Tomatoes and Spices:
Next, stir in the diced or crushed tomatoes along with the ground cumin and chili powder (if using). Let this cook together for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the mixture is beautifully fragrant.
5. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. This is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
6. Simmer the Soup:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 7-10 minutes, or until the fideo pasta is tender. The broth will meld all the wonderful flavors together.
7. Final Touches:
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preference. Remember that you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away once it’s in!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge on the side for a zesty touch. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delightful soup!
This Fideo Pasta Soup is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy eating your delicious creation! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Yes! While fideo is traditional, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like orzo or even break up spaghetti into smaller pieces. Adjust cooking times as necessary based on the type of pasta you use.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’ve got yourself a delicious vegetarian version of this soup!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of broth to help revive the consistency of the soup.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Just sauté them with the onions for a few extra minutes before adding the tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
