Sopa De Fideo Con Carne: A Hearty Mexican Comfort Dish
Sopa De Fideo Con Carne, a traditional Mexican dish, is the epitome of comfort food. This savory soup combines tender noodles, flavorful ground beef, and a rich broth infused with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. Whether you’re craving a warm and satisfying meal on a chilly evening or looking to impress guests with a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Ingredients:
- Oil: 3 tablespoons (Avocado or Olive)
- Pasta: 7 oz fideo or vermicelli or broken spaghetti
- Meat: 1 pound ground chuck
- Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp fresh cracked pepper, 1 tsp granulated garlic
- Vegetables: 3/4 cup diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 whole serrano, 2 small diced russet potatoes, 1 small diced red bell pepper, 5 quartered roma tomatoes
- Broth: 5 cups chicken broth or water
- Herbs & Spices: 1/3 tsp Mexican oregano, 3 tsp chicken or tomato bouillon, 8 sprigs of fresh cilantro
- Garnish: 9 oz avocado slices, 10 oz sliced or crumbled queso fresco, Mexican Crema (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the fideo or vermicelli to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and toasted. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the ground chuck, salt, pepper, and granulated garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through. Remove any excess grease if necessary.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, serrano, diced potatoes, diced red bell pepper, and quartered roma tomatoes to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare the Broth:
- Pour the chicken broth or water into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the Mexican oregano, chicken or tomato bouillon, and fresh cilantro sprigs to the pot. Bring the broth to a simmer.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Return the toasted fideo or vermicelli to the pot. Stir to combine with the broth and vegetables.
- Allow the soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the Sopa De Fideo Con Carne into bowls.
- Garnish each bowl with avocado slices, sliced or crumbled queso fresco, and a dollop of Mexican Crema if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the serrano pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the soup.
- Customize the soup with your favorite vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or corn.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- To make a keto-friendly version of Sopa De Fideo Con Carne, replace the pasta with shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles.
- Adjust the vegetables to include low-carb options like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes in moderation.
- Use homemade bone broth or a low-sodium chicken broth without added sugars or starches.
Sopa De Fideo Con Carne is more than just a soup; it’s a comforting and flavorful meal that brings families together and celebrates the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. With its hearty combination of tender noodles, savory beef, and aromatic spices, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will warm you from the inside out. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner or served at festive gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, get ready to savor every spoonful, and experience the joy of homemade Mexican comfort food at its finest. ¡Buen provecho
Cooking Tips and Tricks:
- When toasting the fideo or vermicelli, be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. They should turn a golden brown color and become fragrant, which will enhance their nutty flavor.
- For extra depth of flavor, you can roast the vegetables in the oven before adding them to the soup. Simply toss them with a bit of oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) until caramelized and tender.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with water to the soup and simmer until thickened.
- For a touch of brightness, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the finished soup just before serving. The acidity will help balance the richness of the dish and add a burst of fresh flavor.
Variations and Customizations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of this soup. You can also add extra beans such as black beans or kidney beans for protein.
- Seafood Twist: Replace the ground beef with shrimp or fish for a seafood twist on this classic dish. You can use fish broth or seafood stock to enhance the seafood flavor.
- Spicy Variation: Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the soup for an extra kick of heat. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for even more spice.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking to create a creamy texture. This will add richness to the soup and make it even more indulgent.
Keto and Low-Carb Adaptations:
- Keto-Friendly Ingredients: Substitute the potatoes with low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower or turnips. These vegetables have a similar texture to potatoes but are lower in carbs, making them suitable for a keto diet.
- Replace the fideo or vermicelli with shirataki noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative. These options are low in calories and carbs, making them perfect for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to keep the soup dairy-free and keto-friendly. Coconut cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup without the carbs.
Sopa De Fideo Con Carne is a versatile and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or planning a festive gathering with friends and family, this hearty soup is sure to satisfy. With its rich flavors, tender noodles, and savory beef, it’s a dish that will warm you from the inside out and leave you feeling nourished and content. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a bowl of this delicious soup today. ¡Buen provecho!
