Sopa De Fideo Con Carne is a traditional Mexican noodle soup that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, tender vegetables, and a savory broth. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days and family dinners. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can create a delicious and hearty soup that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delightful Sopa De Fideo Con Carne step-by-step.
Ingredients
Oil:
- 3 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
Pasta:
- 7 oz fideo, vermicelli, or broken spaghetti
Meat:
- 1 pound ground chuck
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon 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 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 3 teaspoons 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
Step 1: Prepare the Fideo
- Toast the Fideo: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the fideo and cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is golden brown. Be careful not to burn it. Remove the toasted fideo from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables
- Cook the Ground Beef: In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the ground chuck and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic. Remove any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, whole serrano, diced potatoes, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the quartered roma tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Herbs & Spices: Stir in the Mexican oregano, chicken or tomato bouillon, and fresh cilantro sprigs. Return the toasted fideo to the pot.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Remove Serrano: Before serving, remove the whole serrano from the soup.
- Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of Mexican crema if desired.
Serving
- Serve: Serve the Sopa De Fideo Con Carne hot, with warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side. Enjoy the comforting and rich flavors of this traditional Mexican soup.
Cooking Notes
- Fideo: Toasting the fideo gives it a deeper flavor and prevents it from becoming too mushy in the soup.
- Broth: For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of serrano pepper to your taste preference. For a milder soup, you can remove the seeds or use a milder pepper like jalapeño.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of meat? A: Yes, you can substitute ground chuck with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Sopa De Fideo Con Carne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Yes, you can freeze the soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, follow these modifications:
- Pasta: Substitute the fideo with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Potatoes: Use cauliflower florets instead of diced potatoes.
- Broth: Ensure the chicken broth used is low-carb and free of added sugars.
Sopa De Fideo Con Carne is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its rich broth, tender meat, and hearty vegetables, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, homemade soup that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
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