Sopa De Fideo Con Pollo: Mexican Chicken Noodle Delight
Sopa De Fideo Con Pollo is a hearty and comforting Mexican chicken noodle soup that captures the essence of traditional cooking. Originating from America's Restaurant in Harlingen, this dish combines tender chicken, fragrant spices, and delightful fideo noodles in a rich broth. It's versatile enough to be served as a light soup or a filling stew, depending on your preference. Accompanied by warm corn tortillas and creamy refried beans, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. The savory aroma and vibrant flavors will surely transport you to the heart of Mexico, making it a beloved favorite in any home.
6
Servings
250
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken
1 (cut into parts)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
garlic granules
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
to taste ( )
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
dry fideo noodles
2 (10 ounce) boxes (or broken dry vermicelli (pieces about 1 1/4 inch long))
white onion
1 (chopped)
large bell pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (for color and flavor)
cilantro
to taste (optional for garnish)
jalapeño
to taste (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, combine the chicken pieces, bay leaf, ground cumin, garlic granules, and salt. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
2
Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender, approximately 30 minutes.
3
Once cooked, remove the chicken, drain the broth, and set aside both the chicken and the broth.
4
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the fideo noodles and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned.
5
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6
Combine the sautéed vegetables and fideo with the cooked chicken in a large pot. Pour enough reserved broth over the mixture to cover the chicken and noodles, along with the tomato sauce for added color and flavor.
7
Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat until the noodles are cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. Adjust the consistency with more broth if desired for a soupier texture.
8
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional cumin, salt, and garlic granules as needed.
9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or slices of jalapeño for a burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sopa De Fideo Con Pollo?
Sopa De Fideo Con Pollo is a hearty and comforting Mexican chicken noodle soup made with tender chicken, fideo noodles, and fragrant spices in a rich broth.
Where does this specific recipe originate from?
This recipe originates from America's Restaurant in Harlingen.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for Sopa De Fideo Con Pollo?
The primary ingredients include chicken, fideo noodles, white onion, bell pepper, tomato sauce, vegetable oil, and spices like cumin and garlic granules.
Can I use a substitute for fideo noodles?
Yes, you can use broken dry vermicelli pieces about 1 1/4 inch long as a substitute.
How long does it take to cook the chicken initially?
The chicken should simmer in the stockpot for approximately 30 minutes until tender.
What spices are used to flavor the chicken broth?
The broth is seasoned with a bay leaf, ground cumin, garlic granules, and salt.
Why should I sauté the fideo noodles?
Sautéing the fideo noodles in oil for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned adds a distinct toasted flavor and prevents them from getting too mushy.
What vegetables are chopped for this soup?
The recipe calls for one chopped white onion and one seeded and chopped large bell pepper.
How long do the fideo noodles take to simmer?
Once combined with the broth and chicken, the noodles take about 8-10 minutes to cook through.
Is this dish a soup or a stew?
It is versatile and can be served as either a light soup or a filling stew depending on how much broth you add.
What are the traditional side dishes for this meal?
It is traditionally served with warm corn tortillas and creamy refried beans.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
How much fat is in Sopa De Fideo Con Pollo?
There is 7.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What garnishes are recommended for this dish?
Fresh cilantro and slices of jalapeño are recommended for a burst of flavor.
Do I need to keep the chicken broth after boiling the chicken?
Yes, you must drain and reserve the broth to use as the base for the final soup.
What is the purpose of adding tomato sauce?
The tomato sauce is added to the broth to provide both color and flavor.
How do I adjust the soup's consistency?
You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less of the reserved broth to achieve your desired texture.
How long should the onions and bell peppers be cooked?
Sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Should the chicken be cooked whole?
No, the chicken should be cut into parts before boiling.
Is there a specific oil recommended for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
What amount of fideo noodles is required?
The recipe calls for two 10-ounce boxes of dry fideo noodles.
Can I adjust the spice levels?
Yes, you can adjust the cumin, salt, and garlic granules to taste at the end of the cooking process.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is to combine chicken, bay leaf, cumin, garlic, and salt in a stockpot with water and bring to a boil.
Does this recipe include sugar or fiber?
Based on the nutritional data provided, sugar and fiber values are not specified.
Is the jalapeño garnish mandatory?
No, the jalapeño is an optional garnish for those who want extra heat.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe uses garlic granules rather than fresh cloves, measuring about 1/2 teaspoon or to taste.
Should the pot be covered while the noodles simmer?
Yes, cover the pot while the fideo noodles simmer on low heat for the final 8-10 minutes.