Roxanne Quinteros Fideo Loco recipe

– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

#### Optional Add-ins:
– 1/2 cup frozen peas or carrots (for added veggies)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded (for a heartier version)
– Lime wedges (for serving)

### How to Make Roxanne Quintero’s Fideo Loco

This dish is as simple as it is flavorful. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a pot of delicious, comforting Fideo Loco ready to serve in no time.

#### Step 1: Toast the Fideo Noodles
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fideo noodles. Stir constantly to toast the noodles until they’re golden brown. This step is crucial because the toasting adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Be careful not to burn the noodles; it should only take about 3-4 minutes.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the noodles are toasted, add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Stir them in with the noodles and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The combination of sautéed onions and garlic will infuse the noodles with even more flavor.

#### Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Next, add the chopped tomato (or canned diced tomatoes) and the tomato sauce to the pot. Stir to combine with the noodles and aromatics. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. These spices give the dish its signature bold, rich flavor.

#### Step 4: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If you like a little more saucy texture, you can add more broth to your preference.

#### Step 5: Add Heat and Flavor (Optional)
If you want to add some spice, this is the time to toss in the sliced jalapeños. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your food. For a milder version, you can skip this step or remove the seeds from the jalapeños before adding them.

#### Step 6: Optional Add-ins
At this point, you can stir in some extra ingredients like frozen peas, shredded cheese, or cooked chicken. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the fideo and cover the pot for a few minutes to let it melt into the dish. These additions are optional, but they’ll add extra texture and flavor to the casserole.

#### Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the noodles are tender and the flavors have come together, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish your Fideo Loco with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness. Serve the dish hot with lime wedges on the side for added flavor.

### Tips for Making the Best Fideo Loco

– **Toast the Noodles Well**: Toasting the fideo noodles is a key step in developing a rich, nutty flavor. Be sure not to rush this process—take your time to get them golden brown.
– **Add Veggies**: For a more nutritious version, consider adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or zucchini. They’ll cook quickly in the broth and add texture and flavor to the dish.
– **Spice It to Your Taste**: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños based on how spicy you like your food. You can even add a dash of hot sauce at the end if you want an extra kick.
– **Top with Cheese**: If you love cheesy dishes, sprinkle some shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar) over the top during the last few minutes of cooking and let it melt. This will give the dish a creamy, indulgent finish.
– **Make it a One-Pot Meal**: If you want to make this dish heartier, you can add cooked chicken, beef, or even ground turkey to the pot. Simply stir it in along with the broth for a complete meal.
– **Leftovers**: Fideo Loco is even better the next day! The flavors continue to meld, and the dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

### Serving Suggestions

Fideo Loco is a deliciously satisfying meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Here are a few ideas:

– **Mexican Rice**: A side of fluffy Mexican rice pairs wonderfully with the spicy, savory fideo.
– **Refried Beans**: Creamy refried beans make a classic side dish that complements the bold flavors of the fideo.
– **Guacamole and Chips**: For a little extra indulgence, serve Fideo Loco with a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips for dipping.
– **Sour Cream**: A dollop of sour cream on top can add creaminess and balance the heat of the dish.

### Why You’ll Love Roxanne Quintero’s Fideo Loco

1. **Easy to Make**: This dish comes together quickly with minimal prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
2. **Full of Flavor**: The blend of spices, rich tomato sauce, and crispy noodles makes every bite bursting with flavor.
3. **Versatile**: Whether you add meat, cheese, or extra veggies, Fideo Loco is highly customizable to your tastes and dietary preferences.
4. **Comforting and Satisfying**: With its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, Fideo Loco is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy meals.
5. **Great for Leftovers**: This dish stores well and is perfect for meal prepping, making it a great option for lunches throughout the week.

### Conclusion

Roxanne Quintero’s Fideo Loco recipe takes the humble fideo dish to a new level with rich, bold flavors and plenty of creative freedom. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a fun dish for a casual get-together, or a comforting one-pot dinner, Fideo Loco delivers in spades. With its combination of toasted noodles, savory broth, and optional add-ins, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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**Enjoy Roxanne Quintero’s Fideo Loco, and savor the vibrant, flavorful magic of this Mexican classic!**