Frequently Asked Questions
What is Xochipilli's Enchanting Chicken Fideo Soup?
It is a traditional Mexican soup featuring angel hair pasta, roasted peppers, and shredded chicken in a flavorful bouillon-based broth.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 7 ounces of uncooked angel hair pasta.
How should I prepare the pasta for the soup?
The angel hair pasta should be broken into smaller pieces before being cooked.
Why do you brown the pasta in oil?
Browning the pasta for about 2 minutes adds a toasted flavor and helps the noodles maintain their texture in the broth.
Which peppers are included in the ingredients?
The soup includes one medium poblano pepper and one small jalapeño or serrano pepper.
Can I substitute the poblano pepper?
Yes, you can use a green bell pepper as a substitute for the poblano pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
How much garlic does this recipe require?
This flavorful soup requires 6 finely chopped garlic cloves.
What is the base of the soup liquid?
The base consists of 6 cups of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of chicken bouillon and an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Which brand of tomato sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Hunts tomato sauce for the best results.
What specific type of chicken bouillon should I use?
The recipe recommends caldo con sabor de pollo bouillon.
When do I add the cooked chicken?
The shredded chicken is folded into the soup after the pasta has simmered and reached an al dente texture.
What is the purpose of Sazon seasoning in this dish?
Sazon seasoning is added toward the end of cooking to enhance the authentic Mexican flavor and color of the soup.
How long should the soup simmer?
After adding the liquid base, the soup should simmer covered for about 10 minutes.
What is used as a garnish?
The soup is garnished with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
How should Xochipilli's Enchanting Chicken Fideo Soup be served?
It should be served hot and is best accompanied by crusty bread or warm tortillas.
Who is Xochipilli?
Xochipilli is the Aztec god of art, beauty, and flowers, reflecting the vibrant nature of this culinary dish.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
You will need 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
The peppers, onion, and garlic should be sautéed for approximately 5 minutes until softened.
How much onion is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild kick from the jalapeño or serrano; you can seed the peppers to reduce the heat level.
Can I make this a vegetarian soup?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon and omit the shredded chicken.
What heat setting is used to brown the pasta?
The pasta is browned over medium-high heat.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked?
Yes, but you must ensure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the soup at the final stage.
How much shredded chicken is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can add a small amount of extra water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Should the peppers be seeded?
Yes, the instructions recommend seeding both the poblano and the jalapeño before chopping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the 6 cups of water and 7 ounces of pasta typically serve 4 to 6 people.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While angel hair is traditional for fideo, you can use other small pasta shapes if necessary, though cooking times may vary.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming too mushy?
Toasting the noodles first and only simmering until they are al dente helps maintain the proper texture.
Can this soup be stored for later?
Yes, but the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add more broth when reheating.