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Delight your taste buds and warm your soul with our Homemade Tortilla Soup recipe. This classic Mexican dish is a hearty and flavorful blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth. Bursting with layers of spices and topped with crunchy tortilla strips, this soup is the perfect comfort food for any season. Join us on a culinary adventure as we guide you through crafting this delicious and comforting dish right in your own kitchen.
Tortilla Soup, also known as “Sopa Azteca,” is a flavorful and comforting dish with deep Mexican roots. Its origins can be traced back to indigenous Mexican cuisine, where it was created as a nourishing and flavorful meal.
- The dish’s name “Sopa Azteca” is a nod to the Aztec civilization, one of the ancient indigenous cultures of Mexico, where tortillas and chiles were dietary staples.
- Traditional Tortilla Soup consists of a tomato-based broth enriched with aromatic spices, chiles, and often features shredded chicken or beef.
- One of its signature elements is the garnish of crispy tortilla strips, which add texture and a delicious crunch to the soup.
- Over time, Tortilla Soup has evolved, with various regional and personal adaptations, including vegetarian and vegan versions.
Tortilla Soup has become a beloved Mexican classic, celebrated for its robust flavors and versatility, and it’s a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.
Tortilla Soup
Homemade Tortilla Soup is a beloved and versatile dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. It's a delightful amalgamation of textures and flavors, where every spoonful is a journey through a symphony of spices and aromas. This soup showcases the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy notes, making it a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to your taste. Whether enjoyed as a light meal, appetizer, or main course, this soup is sure to become a staple in your home-cooked repertoire.
Tools and Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Wooden spoon: Buy On Amazon
- Cutting board: Buy On Amazon
- Knife: Buy On Amazon
- Immersion blender (optional): Buy On Amazon
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and jalapeno. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the boneless chicken breasts to the pot and let them cook in the simmering broth for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
If desired, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can leave the soup chunky.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
While the soup is simmering, prepare the tortilla strips. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced corn tortillas and cook until crispy and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with the crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 408.02kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14.72g23%
- Saturated Fat 3.31g17%
- Trans Fat 0.07g
- Cholesterol 79.56mg27%
- Sodium 518.71mg22%
- Potassium 1055.6mg31%
- Total Carbohydrate 37.09g13%
- Dietary Fiber 4.25g17%
- Sugars 3.22g
- Protein 33.95g68%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of jalapeno and chili powder.
- Add cooked black beans or corn kernels for extra texture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Replace chicken with tofu or your favorite meat alternative.
Serving Suggestions:
- Homemade Tortilla Soup is best served with a variety of toppings, such as fresh cilantro, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and lime wedges. Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Allergen Information:
- Tortilla Soup may contain allergens depending on the ingredients used. Common allergens include dairy (cheese, sour cream), gluten (flour tortillas), and nuts (often used for garnish). Ensure that the recipe and garnishes are tailored to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
- Tortilla Soup pairs well with a variety of beverages that complement its flavors. Consider serving it with a crisp Mexican lager, a refreshing limeade, or a classic margarita for an authentic Mexican experience.
- For a non-alcoholic option, opt for a glass of hibiscus tea, known as "agua de jamaica", or a refreshing horchata, a sweet rice milk beverage.
Storage and Leftovers:
- Tortilla Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- To preserve the crispy texture of tortilla strips, store them separately and add them to each serving just before eating. Over time, they may become soggy if stored in the soup.
- Tortilla Soup can also be a versatile base for other dishes. Use it as a sauce for enchiladas, as a filling for burritos, or as a flavorful broth for cooking rice or quinoa.
