Sopa de Pollo con Fideos: Puerto Rican Comfort Soup
Experience the heartwarming flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with this Sopa de Pollo con Fideos, a delectable chicken noodle soup. Perfectly seasoned, tender chicken is simmered with fresh vegetables and a blend of traditional spices, creating a rich and savory broth. The addition of delicate angel hair pasta makes this comforting dish a family favorite. Ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you need a bowl of warmth, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Treat yourself to a taste of Puerto Rico in your own kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chicken
1 (cut into pieces)
salt
2 1/2 teaspoons
black pepper
1 teaspoon
olive oil
4 tablespoons
chicken stock
8 cups
oregano
1/2 teaspoon
sofrito sauce
3 tablespoons
celery ribs
2 (sliced)
large onion
1 (diced)
medium carrot
1 (sliced)
large potato
1 (cubed)
Sazon Goya con culantro y achiote
1 package
Instructions
1
Start by rubbing the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and oregano, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sofrito, onions, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
3
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides to lock in their flavor, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, lower the heat, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
5
After simmering, raise the heat again to bring the pot to a boil. Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, sazon seasoning, and bay leaf. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
6
In the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, add the angel hair pasta and stir well. Allow it to cook until al dente.
7
Once everything is cooked through, remove the bay leaf and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sopa de Pollo con Fideos?
Sopa de Pollo con Fideos is a traditional Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, sofrito, and delicate angel hair pasta.
How long should I marinate the chicken for this soup?
You should rub the chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano, then let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
What type of pasta is best for Puerto Rican chicken soup?
This recipe specifically uses delicate angel hair pasta, which cooks quickly and complements the light broth.
How much chicken stock do I need?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of chicken stock to create a rich and savory base for the soup.
What is sofrito sauce?
Sofrito is a traditional aromatic base used in Puerto Rican cooking, typically made from peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The soup includes sliced celery ribs, diced large onion, sliced medium carrots, and cubed large potatoes.
How long should I brown the chicken pieces?
You should brown the chicken pieces for approximately 8 to 10 minutes to lock in their flavor before adding the stock.
When do I add the angel hair pasta?
The pasta should be added in the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking and stirred well until it is al dente.
What is Sazon Goya con culantro y achiote?
It is a specialized seasoning blend that adds a distinct flavor and a vibrant orange-red color to the soup.
Should I cook the soup covered or uncovered?
The soup should be covered during the initial 10 to 15 minute simmer, but cooked uncovered for the final 20 minutes once the vegetables are added.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
A total of 4 tablespoons of olive oil is used: 1 tablespoon for the chicken rub and 3 tablespoons for sautéing the aromatics.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, once the soup is finished cooking, you should remove the bay leaf before serving.
What is the recommended garnish for this soup?
The recipe suggests garnishing the soup with fresh cilantro for extra flavor and color.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt to season the whole chicken.
What heat setting should I use for sautéing the sofrito?
You should sauté the sofrito, onions, and celery over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, it uses a whole chicken and 8 cups of stock, making it a hearty family-sized meal.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
This recipe calls for a whole chicken cut into pieces to provide the richest flavor for the broth.
What spices are used to season the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with a blend of salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
How long does the whole process take?
The process includes 30 minutes of marinating, followed by approximately 45-50 minutes of active cooking time.
Is this soup considered comfort food?
Yes, it is known as a classic Puerto Rican comfort soup, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a warm, hearty meal.
What is the first step in making the soup?
The first step is rubbing the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and olive oil, then letting it rest for 30 minutes.
How many potatoes are used?
The recipe uses one large potato, which should be cubed before adding to the pot.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
The recipe calls for sliced carrots; peeling them is optional but recommended for a cleaner texture.
What kind of pot is best for this soup?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure even cooking and enough space for the whole chicken.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
The carrots and potatoes should cook for about 20 minutes until they are tender.
Can I substitute the angel hair pasta?
Yes, you can use other small soup pastas, but cooking times may vary compared to the delicate angel hair.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano for the chicken rub.
Is Sopa de Pollo con Fideos healthy?
It is a nutritious choice as it contains lean chicken protein, a variety of vegetables, and a flavorful broth.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
'Al dente' means the pasta should be cooked until it is tender but still firm to the bite.
Why is the chicken browned before simmering?
Browning the chicken helps lock in the juices and creates a deeper, more complex flavor in the final soup broth.