Best Sopa Seca Mexican Noodle Casserolefrom Food Network Recipes

SOPA SECA: MEXICAN NOODLE CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Brush a 9-inch square baking dish with oil.
• Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the fideos and cook, turning them with tongs, until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the bundles and any broken pieces to a plate.
• Add the onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 8 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic, coriander, oregano, chili powder, and bay leaf, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add the diced tomatoes with their juices.
• Add the chipotles, increase the heat to high, and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the broth, the toasted fideos, salt, and pepper, to taste.
• Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently, uncovered, breaking up the fideos with a spoon, for about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the chicken.
• Remove the bay leaf.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle the grated cheese over the top, and cover loosely with foil.
• Bake until the cheese melts and the casserole is hot through and through, about 20 minutes.
• If desired, serve with some crema drizzled over the top.

SOPA SECA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or medium pot over medium-high heat until it ripples. Add the pasta and cook, stirring constantly, until the pasta is golden, about 3 minutes.
• Scoop out and discard 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the Roasted Tomato-Chile Arbol Salsa and cook for 2 minutes, stirring the whole time. Pour in the chicken stock and let the liquid come to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook, stirring once in a while, until the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.
• Divide the pasta between two bowls and garnish with the cilantro and cheese.

SOPA SECA WITH BEANS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and poblano and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook 2 more minutes. Add the uncooked spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer until some of the liquid is absorbed, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and increase the heat to high; bring to a boil and cook 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and simmer until the spaghetti is almost fully cooked, about 6 more minutes. Uncover and stir in the beans and all but 2 tablespoons of the cilantro; continue simmering until the spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 3 more minutes. Divide the pasta and beans among bowls and top with the remaining cilantro and the cheese. Per serving: Calories 420; Fat 10g (Saturated 3g); Cholesterol 28mg; Sodium 635mg; Carbohydrate 65g; Fiber 17g; Protein 22g