Imagine a warm, hearty soup that transports you straight to a cozy Mexican kitchen, where every spoonful is packed with nostalgia and flavor. Yvonne's Sopa de Letras, also known as Sopa de Fideo, is more than just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming experience. Whether you're seeking comfort on a chilly day or wanting to explore authentic Mexican cuisine, this alphabet pasta soup promises to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup alphabet pasta or fideo
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion finely and mincing the garlic cloves. Measure out all other ingredients to have them ready.
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the alphabet pasta or fideo and toast the pasta in the oil and onion mixture, stirring constantly until it turns a light golden brown color, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and pasta to absorb some of the liquid.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optional garnishes can include fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of queso fresco.
Tips
- Toast Your Pasta Carefully: The key to rich flavor is toasting the alphabet pasta or fideo until it's a light golden brown. Watch it closely and stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Choose Quality Broth: Since chicken broth is the soup's foundation, use a high-quality, flavorful broth for the best results.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure your alphabet pasta remains tender but not mushy.
- Customize Your Garnishes: Experiment with toppings like fresh cilantro, lime juice, or queso fresco to add extra layers of flavor.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add shredded chicken or vegetables to make this soup even more nutritious and satisfying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
