tortilla soup recipe

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tortilla soup recipe

Ultimate Tortilla Soup Recipe

Introduction

If you’re in the mood for something hearty and full of flavor, look no further than tortilla soup. This classic Mexican dish is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed year-round. In this article, we’ll teach you how to make the ultimate tortilla soup recipe, complete with all the tips and tricks needed to wow your taste buds.

What is Tortilla Soup?

Tortilla soup is a traditional Mexican dish that combines flavorful broth, vegetables, chicken (or other proteins), and crispy tortilla strips. It’s often topped with sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and avocado and is a popular dish throughout Mexico and the United States.

History & Origin

Tortilla soup has a long history dating back to Aztec times when it was known as “tlapoltotl”. Traditional ingredients included tomatoes, chilies and stale corn tortillas. As the recipe evolved over time, new ingredients were introduced like chicken or beef stock. Nowadays there are hundreds of different recipes available depending on region, taste, or personal preference.

Ingredients

Before we get started with the recipe, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients first. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion (diced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes (14 ounces each)
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and minced)
  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • Variety of toppings such as sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and avocado.

Importance and Purpose of Each Ingredient

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate tortilla soup experience. Here’s what each item brings to the table:

  • Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding flavor to the broth.
  • Onion and garlic: Provide depth of flavor to the broth.
  • Canned tomatoes: Used for color, richness, and tanginess of the soup.
  • Broth: Provides the base for the soup. Use chicken or vegetable broth depending on your preference.
  • Cumin and chili powder: Add heat and spice to the dish.
  • Bell peppers & jalapeño pepper: Add texture and an additional layer of spice/flavor to the dish.
  • Black beans: Add protein, texture to the soup.
  • Cooked chicken: Bring in protein into your soup & add extra flavor.

Preparing Broth

The key aspect of any great tortilla soup recipe is a flavorful broth. You can either use store-bought broth or make homemade broth with our easy-to-follow recipe.

Making Homemade Broth

Ingredients:

  • One whole chicken
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • A bundle of fresh thyme (Optional)
  • A bundle of rosemary sprigs (Optional)

Steps:

  1. Add all the broth ingredients to a large pot.
  2. Cover with 8 cups of water (or until everything is covered by two inches.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
  4. Remove chicken and let it cool to room temperature. Then pull meat from chicken and discard skin & bones.
    5. Note:

    You can opt for store-bought chicken broth instead. Ensure that it’s low in sodium and without additives such as ‘monosodium glutamate’ which can affect flavoring of the soup.

    Alternative Ways to Prepare Broth

    In case you don’t have time for homemade or don’t want store-bought, you can use bouillon cubes or powder.

    • Dissolve bouillon cubes or powder into boiling water based on package instructions.
    • Stir until dissolved completely in water.
    • Tada! You may use this flavorful broth as your base for tortilla soup!

    Preparing Vegetables

    The delicious combination of vegetables is what makes tortilla soup unique and nutritious. Here’s how to prepare them:

    • Chop the bell peppers into small pieces
    • Remove the seeds and mince the jalapeño pepper
    • Peel and dice the onion.
    • Mince the garlic cloves

    Tips on how to cut vegetables uniformly:

    For uniform cuts, make sure that you hold your chopping knife with a firm grip and use your other hand to guide the vegetable. It is also recommended to segment your vegetables, slice finely through each segment for consistency.

    Necessary Precautions while Preparing Vegetables:

    While working with jalapeño peppers, make sure you wear gloves as it might burn or sting your hands. Afterward discarding them properly should be done every time you handle them.

    Cooking Chicken

    If you’re using chicken in your tortilla soup, it’s important to cook it correctly through our four steps-by-step process.

    1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
    2. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side until browned and an instant-read thermometer reads 165F at thickest part of breast.
    3. Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
    4. Once cool enough to handle, shred or chop chicken (based on preference).
    Add-ons for those who prefer a Vegetarian Option:

    If you don’t want to use chicken, there are a few things you can add instead:

    • Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu and dice into small cubes.
    • Beyond Meat vegan chicken strips: A perfect vegan alternative to chicken in your tortilla soup.
    • Jackfruit: This fruit is a perfect chicken substitute for vegetarians. Jackfruit shreds are a great substitute for shredded chicken.

    Making Tortilla Strips

    Crispy tortilla strips are an essential part of any amazing tortilla soup recipe. Here’s how to make them yourself.

    Steps for making homemade tortilla strips:

    1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
    2. Cut tortillas into thin strips or triangles
    3. Toss the cut-up tortillas in a bowl with olive oil or cooking spray
    4. Spread the strips out evenly on a baking sheet and sprinkle a little salt over the top.
    5. Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and turning golden brown, stirring occasionally.
      6. Note:

      You may use organic pre-made chips instead if you don’t feel like making them from scratch or you have limited time.

    Combining All Ingredients

    Now that we’ve prepared all of our ingredients let’s combine it all together.

    1. In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat then add onions and garlic stirring often until onion softens (about 2-3 minutes).
    2. Add cumin, chili powder, salt & pepper and stir well (half teaspoon each).
    3. Add red and green bell peppers, jalapeño pepper, black beans into the broth mix. Stir for about 2 minutes then add shredded chicken and canned tomatoes along with their juice. Mix well.
    4. Reduce heat, simmer for 15-20 minutes
    5. Add homemade or pre-made tortilla strips. Mix well.

    Seasonings and Flavorings

    The seasonings used in any recipe can make or break it! Here are some crucial aspects about seasoning tortilla soup:

    Flavorings perfect for Tortilla Soup:

    • Fresh Cilantro: adds extra freshness to soup
    • Cumin, coriander powder, and chili powder: work together to create a depth of flavor.
    • Lime Juice: adding lime juice helps balance the flavors and cut the richness from the broth.

    Adjusting flavourings based on taste preference:

    If you like a more spicy soup, consider adding a bit more chili powder or cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you want a milder soup, add less. Other additional spices include Creole seasoning, Paprika.

    Time-Saving Hacks & Alternatives

    In case you find yourself limited on time or ingredients, follow these alternative options:

    Tips on how to expedite cooking time when in a busy schedule:

    • Purchase diced onions & minced garlic ahead of time.
    • Simplify!!! Use store-bought chicken broth and/or pre-cooked shredded chicken.
    • You may use microwaveable rice instead of cooking rice from scratch.

    Shortcuts when rushed:

    • If you don’t feel like making your own broth or don’t feel capable of it yet, use store-bought stock or cubes/powder. Just ensure that it’s low in sodium.
    • Use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.
    • Ditch the homemade tortilla strips and use pre-made chips instead.

    Suggestions for Leftovers:

    Any left-over soup can be stored in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to three days in your fridge. Soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Whenever you’re ready to reheat, make sure to add extra broth or water to the soup since it will thicken once cool.

    Toppings

    Arguably, toppings are the best part of tortilla soup! They provide acidity, texture, and a pop of freshness. The following are some suggested toppings:

    • Shredded cheese (Sharp cheddar is perfect!)
    • Chopped cilantro for freshness and flavor.
    • Sour cream is good for creamy texture.
    • Sliced avocado adds richness and another layer of creaminess!
    • Crumbled crunchy tortilla chips for extra crunchiness!

    Personalization:

    Feel free to customize your toppings however you like! Some other suggested toppings are minced red onions, jalapeño slices, sliced celery, and green onions. Remember their combinations can make all the difference!.

    Serving & Storing Tortilla Soup

    The serving style may depend on your preference but here are some tips on how best to serve the Ultimate Tortilla Soup!

    Best way to Serve:

    You may serve this soup on its own or with some white rice or Garlic Bread. Garnish with all your desired toppings in a big bowl.

    Safe storing after making Tortilla soup.

    Once the soup cools down, ensure that it has been stored in an airtight container, then put directly into the refrigerator. Tortilla soup safely stores for around three days, and if reheating for consumption, ensure you boil it on the stove over medium heat.

    Serving Leftovers:

    Remember to always add extra broth or water to leftovers since the soup thickens once cooled. Reheat using a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often.

    Health benefits of Tortilla soup

    Here are some benefits to make your Ultimate Tortilla Soup!

    Nutritious Option:

    This soup contains ingredients that are rich in vitamins and minerals such as bell peppers that have vitamin C, chicken providing lean protein, and black beans contributing fiber to the recipe. Plus! Chicken broth helps boost your immune system.

    Excellent for weight-watchers:

    Anyone looking to maintain or lose weight will appreciate our tortilla soup recipe since it can be made with lean proteins and vegetables that are relatively low in calories.

    Good for People with Specific Dietary Requirements:

    The recipe is versatile and easy to customize therefore adapting it to specific dietary requirements (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian).

    Conclusion

    That’s it! Follow this ultimate tortilla soup recipe and enjoy all of the flavor combinations that this meal has to offer. With our helpful steps on preparing the broth, vegetables and chicken, making tortilla strips from scratch, adding personal toppings, cooking a nutritious meal has never been easier.

    7 FAQs About Tortilla Soup Recipe

    Q: What is tortilla soup?

    A: Tortilla soup is a Mexican-inspired soup made with a tomato-based broth, vegetables, spices and crispy tortilla strips.

    Q: What are the ingredients of tortilla soup?

    • Tortillas
    • Chicken or vegetable broth
    • Diced tomatoes
    • Onions
    • Jalapeno peppers
    • Cumin, chili powder, and salt
    • Fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for garnish

    Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    A: Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken and omit the chicken from the recipe.

    Q: How do I make crispy tortilla strips?

    • Cut corn tortillas into thin strips.
    • Spray or brush lightly with oil.
    • Sprinkle with salt and bake at 400F degrees until crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

    Q: How do I store leftover tortilla soup?

    A: Let it cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding more broth if necessary to thin out the soup.

    Q: Can I freeze tortilla soup?

    A: Yes! Let it cool to room temperature before storing in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding more broth if it becomes too thick.

    Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

    A: Of course! Feel free to add black beans, corn, zucchini, or any other favorite vegetables to the soup. You can also top it with avocado, cheese or sour cream.