3 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 ounces fideo or other fine pasta, broken into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
3 cups water
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Dash of cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated
3 or 4 scallions, chopped

Heat oil in a large skillet, add fideo, and cook until lightly browned, Add onion and garlic and cook until tender. Add tomato sauce, water, chili powder, cumin, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.

Top with grated cheese and scallion. Cover until cheese melts.

Serve immediately.