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To make this hearty soup, you need the following ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup fideo pasta (or thin spaghetti broken into pieces) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving These ingredients create a warm and rich flavor, perfect for any cozy meal. You can enhance your soup with these optional ingredients: - Avocado for creaminess - Crushed tortilla chips for crunch - Sliced jalapeños for added heat - Corn for sweetness - Cheese, like queso fresco, for richness These optional ingredients add more depth and personal touch to your bowl of soup. Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem! Here are some easy swaps: - Use canola oil instead of olive oil. - Swap zucchini for other veggies like spinach or kale. - If you don’t have fideo, spaghetti works well. - For a protein boost, try chickpeas or lentils as a bean substitute. These substitutions keep the spirit of the dish while allowing you to use what you have on hand. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large pot and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 medium onion, diced. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until the onion turns translucent. This step builds a solid flavor base for your soup. Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until you smell that lovely aroma. Now it’s time to add some color and nutrition. Toss in 1 diced medium carrot, 1 diced medium zucchini, and 1 diced bell pepper of your choice. Sauté these veggies for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften. The mix of vegetables makes the soup hearty. Then, pour in 1 can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes along with their juices. Follow this with 4 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir everything to blend those flavors well. Bring your soup to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen. After that, add 1 cup of fideo pasta and 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Finally, taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will let all those wonderful flavors meld together. To boost the taste of your soup, use fresh herbs like cilantro. Add them at the end for a bright flavor. You can also add a bay leaf while it simmers for more depth. For a smoky taste, try using smoked paprika. This spice adds warmth and flavor. If you want heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. The key to a great texture is timing. Make sure to cook the fideo pasta just right. If you overcook it, the pasta can get mushy. Aim for tender pasta that still holds shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in. This adds a nice body to the dish. One common mistake is adding too much salt too soon. Taste your soup before seasoning. Another issue is not letting the soup simmer long enough. This can prevent the flavors from melding. Avoid skipping the sauté step. Cooking the onions and garlic first builds a solid flavor base. Lastly, don’t forget to garnish! Fresh cilantro and lime make a big difference. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the soup. Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the heat by adding more chili powder or tossing in some diced jalapeños if you like it spicy! Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; flavors meld and deepen as it cools slightly. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. {{image_2}} You can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan. Start by using vegetable broth, as listed in the recipe. For protein, swap black beans for chickpeas or lentils. You can also add more veggies like spinach or kale. This increases nutrition while keeping it hearty and filling. The spices in the soup still bring out great flavor. To add some heat, use diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also try adding hot sauce or more chili powder. Adjust the spices to your taste. This makes the soup exciting and wakes up your taste buds. If you like it extra spicy, serve it with sliced fresh chilies on top. For a meatier option, consider adding shredded chicken or cooked chorizo. These proteins pair well with the soup’s base. If you want something different, try diced tofu or tempeh for a savory bite. Each protein adds its unique flavor, making this soup versatile and satisfying. To keep your Cozy Mexican Fideo Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the soup cool first, then transfer it. Make sure to use a container that fits your portion size. This way, you can enjoy it in the days to come. Aim to store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, reheat it on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. This will help bring back its original consistency. Heat until it’s nice and warm, about five to seven minutes. If you want to save your soup for later, freezing works great. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Fideo pasta is a thin noodle used in many Mexican dishes. It looks a lot like spaghetti but is shorter. You can find it in most grocery stores. Fideo cooks quickly and adds a nice texture to soups. If you can't find fideo, break thin spaghetti into small pieces as a substitute. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day as flavors blend. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When you are ready to eat, heat it on the stove or in the microwave. This soup pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread for dipping - Fresh tortilla chips for crunch - A simple green salad for freshness - Mexican rice for heartiness - Sliced avocado for creaminess Feel free to mix and match these sides to create your perfect meal! Cozy Mexican Fideo Soup offers warmth through simple ingredients and easy steps. We explored key ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips. Remember, you can change flavors with various spices or try vegetarian versions. Avoid common mistakes to get the best texture. This soup stores well, making it perfect for leftovers. Overall, feel free to make it your own. Enjoy a bowl of comfort that tastes like home!

Cozy Mexican Fideo Soup

A warm and comforting Mexican soup made with fideo pasta, vegetables, and spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 bell pepper any color, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup fideo pasta (or thin spaghetti broken into pieces)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the diced carrot, zucchini, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
  • Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes along with their juices, then add the vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • Add in the fideo pasta and black beans to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and season the soup with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Once ready, remove from the heat and let the soup settle for a few minutes.

Notes

Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor. Crushed tortilla chips can be added for crunch.
Keyword cozy, fideo, soup, vegetarian