Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil , with amounts more for oiling
8 ounces fideos or 8 ounces vermicelli , broken into small pieces
4 canned chipotle chiles con adobo sauce , minced
4 garlic cloves , minced
1 can crushed tomatoes with juice
1/2 small white onion , coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth or 1/2 cup chicken stock
unrefined sea salt & freshly ground black pepper , to taste
1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
3/4 cup crema or 3/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
aluminum foil
Sopa Seca, which translates to 'dry soup' in Spanish, is a popular Mexican casserole dish made with noodles, chipotle chiles, tomatoes, and cheese. The noodles are cooked in a spicy tomato sauce until tender and then topped with a mixture of cotija cheese and crema or sour cream. This dish is often served as a main course, accompanied by a salad or vegetable side dish. Sopa Seca is a great choice for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a hearty, comforting meal.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
3.Add the noodles and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4.Add the minced chipotle chiles, garlic, and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5.Add the chopped onion, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
6.In a bowl, combine the Cotija cheese and crema or sour cream.
7.Grease a 9x13 casserole dish with olive oil. Pour the noodle mixture into the dish.
8.Drizzle the cheese mixture over the top of the noodles.
9.Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
10.Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.
11.Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 before serving. Garnish with minced cilantro.

PROS

Sopa Seca is a hearty, satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
The spicy chipotle chiles add a nice kick to the noodles, while the cotija cheese and crema provide a creamy, tangy balance.
This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it a great option for meal planning or leftovers.

CONS

Sopa Seca is a relatively high-calorie dish, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The noodles can also be quite filling, so it may not be the best option for those looking for a lighter meal.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Sopa Seca is not particularly healthy, it does contain a number of nutrient-dense ingredients. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, while tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C. Cotija cheese provides a good source of calcium and protein, while cilantro is high in antioxidants.

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