Tortilla soup is a beloved Mexican dish that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. This hearty soup features a rich, spiced broth filled with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this delicious dish.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño, chopped (optional)
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tortilla strips for garnish
– Fresh cilantro, chopped
– Lime wedges for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Based on a serving size of one bowl, tortilla soup contains approximately 320 calories, 15g of protein, 10g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, and 8g of fiber. This is a nutritious dish, providing a well-rounded meal in a single bowl.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño; cook for another minute.
4. Add cumin and chili powder, stirring to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and add shredded chicken, black beans, and corn.
7. Season with salt and pepper; let simmer for 15 minutes.
8. Prepare tortilla strips by frying or baking until crispy.
9. Serve soup in bowls, topped with tortilla strips, cilantro, and lime wedges.
10. Enjoy your delicious tortilla soup!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken with cooked turkey or omit meat for a vegetarian version. For a spicier kick, use a hotter pepper or add more chili powder. Additionally, feel free to swap black beans with pinto beans or add other veggies like bell peppers.
Serving and Pairings
Tortilla soup pairs beautifully with a side of avocado slices, fresh corn bread, or a simple green salad. For added flavor, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover tortilla soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s cooled before freezing.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t skip the seasoning; it enhances the flavor.
– Avoid overcooking the veggies to maintain texture.
– Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and spice levels.
– Ensure your broth is flavorful; homemade is best.
– Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
Helpful Tips
– For extra richness, add a splash of cream or avocado.
– Make it ahead of time; flavors develop overnight.
– Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
– Garnish just before serving to keep toppings fresh.
– Experiment with different toppings like radishes or cheese.
FAQs
Can I make tortilla soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make tortilla soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth. Add more vegetables or beans for protein and flavor.
What can I serve with tortilla soup?
Tortilla soup is delightful on its own but pairs well with a side of cornbread, avocado, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Can I freeze tortilla soup?
Absolutely! Just let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How can I thicken tortilla soup?
To thicken your soup, you can blend a portion of it and stir it back in, or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the soup.
Is tortilla soup spicy?
The spice level can vary based on your preference. Adjust the amount of jalapeño and chili powder to control the heat. You can also omit them for a milder version.
Conclusion
Tortilla soup is a delicious and versatile dish that can warm your soul. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this soup will surely impress. Try it today and savor the tastes of Mexico!
Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn fresh or frozen
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for garnish
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño; cook for another minute.
- Add cumin and chili powder, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and add shredded chicken, black beans, and corn.
- Season with salt and pepper; let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Prepare tortilla strips by frying or baking until crispy.
- Serve soup in bowls, topped with tortilla strips, cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Enjoy your delicious tortilla soup!
