Fideo Con Frijoles (Vermicelli And Beans)

This hearty and flavorful dish, Fideo Con Frijoles, combines the comforting elements of vermicelli pasta and wholesome pinto beans in a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal. The vermicelli is toasted to perfection, enhancing its nutty flavor, while the addition of aromatic onions, garlic, and serrano pepper brings depth to each bite.

Seasoned with ground cumin and chipotle chili pepper, and simmered in low-sodium chicken broth, this dish develops a rich broth that perfectly complements the tender vermicelli and creamy beans.

Finished with fresh tomato, cilantro, scallions, and a sprinkle of reduced-fat cheddar cheese, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious, making it an ideal choice for a comforting dinner any night of the week.

Fideo Con Frijoles (Vermicelli And Beans)

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

6 oz vermicelli, broken into thirds

1 cup chopped white onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 serrano pepper, seeded and minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp ground chipotle chili pepper

1/2 tsp salt

2 (14-oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth

1 (15-oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup chopped fresh tomato

2 tbsp chopped cilantro

1/2 cup chopped scallions

1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Add the vermicelli and cook for 4 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently.

Add the chopped white onion, minced garlic, and minced serrano pepper; cook for 1 minute or until fragrant, stirring constantly.

Add the ground cumin and ground chipotle chili pepper; cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Step 2:

Add the salt, chicken broth, and rinsed pinto beans; increase the heat to medium-high.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through.

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped tomato and cilantro.

Divide the mixture evenly among 4 bowls; top each with 2 tablespoons of chopped scallions and 2 tablespoons of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese.

Serve immediately.

Notes:

Toasting Vermicelli: Browning the vermicelli in olive oil adds a nutty flavor and helps it maintain its texture when cooked in the broth, ensuring a hearty base for the dish.

Aromatic Base: The combination of white onion, garlic, and serrano pepper forms a flavorful foundation. Cooking these ingredients briefly allows their flavors to meld without overpowering the dish.

Spice Profile: Ground cumin and chipotle chili pepper add a smoky and spicy depth to the broth, complementing the beans and vermicelli well.

Broth and Simmering: Using low-sodium chicken broth ensures the dish isn’t overly salty, while simmering allows the flavors to develop and the vermicelli to absorb the broth’s richness.

Adding Pinto Beans: Rinsing and draining the pinto beans before adding them ensures they contribute to the dish’s texture without overwhelming it with excess starch.

Fresh Tomato and Cilantro: Adding these ingredients towards the end preserves their freshness and adds a burst of color and brightness to the finished dish.

Toppings: Garnishing each serving with chopped scallions and shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese provides a contrast of flavors and textures, enhancing the dish’s appeal.

Serving: Serve the Fideo Con Frijoles immediately after assembling to enjoy it at its best, ensuring the vermicelli remains tender and the cheese melts just right.

Variations: For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Adjust spice levels according to preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of serrano pepper and chipotle chili pepper.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain the dish’s consistency and flavors.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta, but adjust cooking times accordingly based on the pasta type.

How spicy is this dish with the serrano pepper and chipotle chili pepper?

It has a mild to moderate level of spiciness.

Adjust the amount of peppers according to your preference for heat.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.

Can I skip the cheese to make it dairy-free?

Yes, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.

How do I adjust the recipe if I want to make it for fewer or more people?

Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly, keeping the ratios similar.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, but wait to add the toppings (scallions and cheese) until serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What can I serve with this dish?

It’s delicious on its own but can be served with a side salad or crusty bread.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best not to freeze this dish due to the texture changes that can occur with pasta and beans.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains wheat-based vermicelli pasta.

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.