Sopita is a beloved comfort food in many Latin American households. It features a simple tomato-based broth paired with small noodles, often referred to as “fideos” in Spanish. The soup is light yet satisfying, and the tomatoes give it a rich, tangy base. Sopita is a versatile dish, and you can add other ingredients like vegetables, beans, or even small pieces of chicken, but at its core, it’s a delicious, easy-to-make soup that is perfect for any time of the day, especially for children or when you need something quick and comforting.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 cup small noodles (such as fideos, or any small pasta like elbow macaroni, alphabet pasta, or orzo)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for added depth)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. If using tomato paste, add it now and cook for 1-2 minutes to develop its flavor.
  3. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and water, and stir in the cumin (if using), black pepper, oregano, and salt. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Cook the Noodles: Add the small noodles to the pot, stirring to ensure they’re evenly distributed. Continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente and the soup has thickened slightly. You can add more water or broth if the soup becomes too thick for your liking.
  5. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cumin if needed. If you like a more tangy flavor, you can add a squeeze of lime juice.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with a wedge of lime on the side for extra freshness and flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 150–200 kcal
  • Protein: 4–6g (from the broth and noodles)
  • Fat: 6–8g (from olive oil and broth)
  • Carbohydrates: 25–30g (mainly from noodles and tomatoes)
  • Fiber: 2–3g (from tomatoes and spices)
  • Sugar: 4–5g (natural sugars from tomatoes)
  • Sodium: 600–900mg (depending on the broth and seasoning)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Sopita is a simple, cozy, and satisfying meal. With its lightly seasoned tomato broth and small noodles, it’s the perfect quick fix for a meal that everyone can enjoy. You can always tweak the recipe by adding some vegetables or proteins to make it your own!