Sopita (or Sopa de Fideos) is a traditional Mexican dish that’s both comforting and simple. It’s a light, flavorful soup made with thin noodles, tomatoes, garlic, and a savory broth. The recipe is often made as a quick and easy meal, commonly served as a starter or light dinner in Mexican homes. Here’s how to make an authentic Sopita:
Authentic Mexican Sopita (Sopa de Fideos)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1 cup of dry fideo noodles (thin, broken spaghetti or vermicelli can be used if you can’t find fideo)
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- 1/4 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Toast the Fideo:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.
- Add the fideo noodles and toast them in the oil, stirring constantly, for about 3-5 minutes, or until the noodles are golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- While the noodles are toasting, blend the chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a blender or food processor until smooth. You can add a small amount of water if needed to help blend it.
3. Add the Tomato Sauce:
- Once the noodles are toasted, add the tomato sauce mixture to the pot with the noodles. Stir it well and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Broth:
- Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
5. Simmer:
- Let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the fideo noodles are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Serve:
- Once the noodles are cooked through, remove the soup from the heat.
- Ladle the sopita into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Sides: Serve the sopita with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or crusty bread for a more complete meal.
- Toppings: You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to the soup for extra richness.
Tips:
- Broth: For a more intense flavor, use homemade chicken broth or bouillon cubes for the broth.
- Vegetarian Version: If you’re making a vegetarian version, simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Spice: To add some heat, you can include a small amount of chopped jalapeño or chili powder in the soup.
- Leftovers: Sopita tastes great the next day! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
Sopita is a perfect meal for a cozy night in, and it’s incredibly versatile. It’s a staple in many Mexican households because it’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish!