Traditional Tex-Mex Sopa Fideo/Pasta

This is a very old recipe around my home and in many other cities on the border. I used to eat this as a kid and I still enjoy it today. It is great as a side-dish or appetizer with Mexican food. It is also just a great snack. This is a vegetarian dish if you opt to use canola oil instead of lard. Also, note that you can use fideo (vermicelli) or any other type of small pasta such as small shells, alphabet, etc.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons canola oil or 2  tablespoons  lard
• 1⁄2 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1  garlic clove, pressed
• 1 (7 ounce) bag  star-shaped pasta (usually found in the Hispanic food section of the grocery store)
• 2  tomato-flavored bouillon cubes, with chicken flavor
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4  cups water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
•  salt & pepper (though probably will not need it- bullion is salty enough!)

Directions

1. Put oil or lard in pan and brown the pasta. Make sure to watch it carefully as it burns easily.
2. Add the onion and garlic. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add 8 oz. of tomato sauce and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
4. Add bullion cubes and ground cumin.
5. Taste after bullion dissolves. Add salt and/or pepper, if desired.
6. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. Add remaining 1 cup water if needed.
7. Consistency will be thickish, but still soupy.