Are you craving a comforting and flavorful meal? Look no further than Sopa Seca de Fideo, a traditional Mexican tomato soup with noodles that’s sure to warm your soul. This easy-to-follow recipe boasts deep, smoky notes of spice, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can whip it up as a vegan dish with just tomatoes and noodles, or take it to the next level by adding leftover chicken or beef for a heartier twist.
This Spicy, Smokey Tomato and Noodle Soup is a classic Mexican dish
Translating to “Dry Soup with Noodle,” this dish tantalizes the taste buds with toasted noodles and tender shreds of chicken or meat, all enveloped in a robust tomato sauce infused with the smoky warmth of Chipotle in Adobo.
As you savor each comforting bite, you’ll find yourself immersed in the rich flavors of Latin American cuisine. Is it a soup? Is it a pasta dish? The thick, hearty texture leaves you pondering, making it the perfect choice for a chilly winter’s night when you crave warmth and sustenance. Let the rustic charm of Sopa Seca de Fideo transpsort you on a culinary adventure.
The Noodles
Generally, Fideo noodles are available in the ethnic section of your grocery store. But lately, I have seen them in the pasta section at a number of markets. If they are unavailable Garofola pasta, makes a shape called Cappelini Spezzati. But you can easily make your own. Simply purchase Angel Hair Pasta Nests and smash them in your fist. I would suggest doing so, in a clean plastic bag. This will keep noodles from flying all over your kitchen. Additionally, vermicelli or thin spaghetti, can be substituted as well, but it takes a bit more effort. Simply break them up into small pieces about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in length before toasting.
Toasting the noodles before adding them to the soup, adds flavor. Typically, I toast them right in my toaster oven. This is easily accomplished by placing the noodles in a small pan and toasting at 350 degrees for about 4 to 5 minutes.
Fire Roasted Tomatoes
Whenever possible, I like to grill my own fresh tomatoes. This imparts a fresh charred flavor into the dish as well as a great way to make use of your homegrown tomatoes. However, canned fire roasted tomatoes can be substituted for convenience. During the winter months, I often reach for these tomatoes as fresh tomatoes from my garden are not available. My go to brand is Muir Glen Fire Roasted. With their intense flavor and smoky undertones, these tomatoes ensure that every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes for Convenience
For a heartier Sopa de Fideo
Chicken, Turkey or Meat Add Ins
While this recipe can be as a simple noodle and tomato dish for a vegan or vegetarian diet by simply eliminating the smoked meats. But for those looking for a heartier protein filled meal smoked chicken, turkey or brisket all make delicious hearty add-ins. Additionally they all compliment the spicy flavor of the chipotle peppers making a well balanced dish. Most days, I make this dish with smoked chicken breast for a healthier and leaner option. However, since my husband has become quite the pit master I have susbstituted the chicken for smoked brisket on numerous occasions. And actually, it’s one of my favorite substitutions. So don’t hesitate to make a change, and use any leftover that you find to be suitable.
Smoked vs. Roasted Chicken
This recipe calls for smoked chicken or turkey. If you or your hubby have access to a smoker, consider smoking your poultry in advance and storing it for future use. Whenever my husband is smoking meat, I make sure to add several chicken or turkey breasts. Afterwards, I package them up and freeze them. This allows me the flexibility to prepare this dish anytime.
However, here’s another little trick that I like to use. If I’m planning on preparing Sopa Seca and I don’t have any smoked poultry in the freezer, I will roast a chicken earlier in the week. When preparing the chicken I season it with smoked sea salt. There are a number of spice purveyor’s that sell their own brand, including Maldon Salt. While it doesn’t provide the deep smokiness obtained by cooking with smoke, it will add a slightly smokey taste to the chicken.
Another option is purchasing smoked meat. If you have a Whole Foods in your area, smoked poultry is usually available for purchase.
However, this recipe will provide a delicious meal if roasted chicken is replaced for smoked chicken. The dish will still take on a slight smoky element from the chipotle in adobo sauce, as this is made from smoked jalapeno. Flavor from the chicken or meat adds a subtle layer of flavor to the dish.
The Spice
The dominant flavor component of Sopa Seca is Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce. Jalapeno peppers are smoked and canned in a spicy sauce. A small amount will bring a moderate level of heat to the dish. However if making this dish for young children, I highly recommend reducing the chipotle to 2 teaspoons. If desired, more can always be added after tasting.
Because only a small amount of the chipotle adobo is used, you may wish to check out these tips on Storing Leftover Chipotle. Leftover chipotle peppers and sauce can be saved for future use, by dividing into tablespoon portions and freezing,
Garnishing
To garnish this dish, try adding a dollop of sour cream. Sour cream brings a cooling balance to the spice of the soup. Also a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds vibrant flavor and color. Sopa Seca de Fideo imparts Mexican flavors in a healthy, good for you, soul warming soup.
Weight Watcher and Waist Watcher Friendly
A 1 1/2 cup serving of Sopa Seca de Fideo prepared with chicken or turkey breast is 3 WW Smart Points or 441 calories.
A 1 1/2 cup serving of Sopa Seca de Fideo prepared with chicken or turkey thigh is 5 WW Smart Points or 789 calories.
Buon Appetito!
