One of my favorite vegetable-based pastas, fideo, is easily made in the microwave.

This recipe yields noodles with a similar texture to spaghetti, but with added water and vegetables the dish can also be enjoyed as a soup (“sopita de fideo” in Spanish). And with a sprinkle of cheese, both versions are top-notch.

I like to say the main ingredient is love — but actually, the key is fresh veggies. Finding ways to add vegetables into your daily diet can be difficult, but this dish makes it a little easier.

Fideo Noodles

Start to finish: 30 minutes
Serves 4

Step 1: Brown noodles

Ingredients

1 bag fideo noodles

¼ cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Put noodles and olive oil in microwave-safe container, stir
2. Microwave on high for 3 minutes
3. Stir again, then microwave for 2 minutes or until noodles turn golden brown

Step 2: Make vegetable broth

Ingredients

2 cups water

¼ cup onions, diced

¼ teaspoon garlic cloves, diced

1 cup tomatoes, diced

1 cup cilantro, diced

1 cup celery hearts, diced

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in blender and blend for 15-30 seconds

Step 3: Cook pasta

Ingredients

Vegetable broth

Browned noodles

Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Pour broth into container with noodles, stir
2. Add salt and pepper to taste
3. Microwave noodles and broth on high for 5 minutes
4. Reduce heat to medium, cover the container and microwave for 15 minutes, then stir
5. Let cool for 10-15 minutes, then sprinkle cheese on top and serve