Tortilla soup is a popular Mexican dish that has gained popularity worldwide. This delicious soup has a rich, warm flavor that’s perfect for chilly days. The soup is made with freshly fried tortilla strips, shredded chicken or beef, and tomatoes, and garnished with crispy tortilla chips, avocado, and cilantro. If you want to make tortilla soup at home but don’t know where to start, this article is for you.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make tortilla soup from scratch, step-by-step. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, so even if you’re not an experienced cook, you can still make a delicious and authentic tortilla soup that your family and friends will love. Whether you’re having a gathering or just want to enjoy a bowl of soup, our recipe will help you create a comforting and flavorful dish. So, let’s get started!

Section: How to Make Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup is a classic Mexican dish that has become a popular comfort food all over the world. It’s a flavorful and hearty soup that’s perfect for those chilly evenings or when you’re craving something savory and filling. The best part about making tortilla soup is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your liking. In this section, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making tortilla soup at home.

Ingredients

The first step is to gather all the ingredients needed for the soup. Here’s a list of ingredients you will need:

1. 2 tablespoons of olive oil
2. 1 large onion, chopped
3. 4 cloves of garlic, minced
4. 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
5. 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
6. 1 teaspoon of chili powder
7. 1 can of crushed tomatoes
8. 4 cups of chicken broth
9. 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
10. 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken
11. Juice from one lime
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. Shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips for toppings

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken and lime juice. Let simmer for another 5-10 minutes until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot topped with shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips.

Variations

Tortilla soup is an incredibly versatile dish that can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Vegetarian tortilla soup: Use vegetable broth and omit the chicken.

2. Roasted vegetable tortilla soup: Roast your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and sweet potatoes, and add them to the soup.

3. Creamy tortilla soup: Add a can of coconut milk or heavy cream for a creamy and rich soup.

4. Spicy tortilla soup: Add diced jalapenos or hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to make the perfect tortilla soup:

1. Use homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor.
2. Make sure your spices are fresh and not stale.
3. Roasting the garlic and onion before adding to the soup adds a lovely depth of flavor.
4. Add a splash of tequila for an extra kick of flavor.
5. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an easy and delicious shortcut.

Conclusion

Making tortilla soup at home is a simple and delicious way to satisfy your craving for comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can make a flavorful and hearty soup that will warm your soul. Plus, with so many variations and toppings to choose from, you can customize it to your taste preferences and make it your own. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a bowl of homemade tortilla soup!

Ingredients Needed

Making a perfect tortilla soup requires the use of certain ingredients that blend together to create a delicious and flavorful soup. Below are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make a soup that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a significant ingredient when it comes to making tortilla soup. They’re rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that will help improve your health. You can use canned tomatoes or freshly diced tomatoes.

Chicken broth

A good chicken broth is the base of any good soup. It is essential to choose a good quality chicken broth for a full-bodied flavor in the soup.

Chili peppers

Chili peppers are what give the soup its spicy kick. You have the option to use jalapeño peppers or chili powder, depending on the level of spiciness you want.

Onion

Onion adds a rich flavor to your soup. It is best to use white or brown onions for that added flavor boost.

Garlic

Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties, and it can also help boost your immune system. It is an essential ingredient that adds flavor to your soup.

Black beans

Black beans add a richness and texture to the soup. They’re high in fiber and protein, making them a healthy addition to the soup.

Cilantro

Cilantro is an essential ingredient in tortilla soup that gives it that Mexican flavor. It is best added at the end, just before serving.

Corn

Adding corn adds a sweetness to the soup that perfectly balances the spice and richness of the other ingredients. It is best to use fresh or frozen corn kernels.

Lime

Lime is the perfect finishing touch for your tortilla soup. The acidity and freshness of lime juice make it the perfect way to compliment the richness and spiciness of the soup.

Tortillas

Corn tortillas are what give this soup it’s name and it’s heart. You can either crumble tortilla chips on top of the soup, or cut up tortillas and add them to the soup. Either way, tortillas are a must for a perfect tortilla soup.

Congratulations! With all these ingredients in hand, you are one step closer to making a delicious and flavorful tortilla soup. Be sure to purchase the ingredients a day before to have everything you need when cooking. Now you know what ingredients you’ll need, on the next section, we’ll discuss the process of making a perfect tortilla soup!

Ingredients of Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup is a delicious, savory, and nutritious Mexican dish. This soup is made with chicken, vegetables, and crispy tortilla chips on top. It is easy to prepare and can be served as a light meal or as an appetizer before the main course. Here we will discuss the essential ingredients of tortilla soup:

1. Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is the base of the tortilla soup. You can buy it from a store or make it at home by boiling chicken bones, vegetables, and seasoning in water.

2. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the primary ingredient in the soup that gives it a tangy flavor and a deep red color. You can either use fresh or canned tomatoes.

3. Onions: Onions are used for the soup’s base and add a sweet and savory taste to it.

4. Cilantro: Cilantro is a herb that is used for garnishing the soup. It provides a refreshing taste and is used in Mexican cuisine.

5. Garlic: Garlic is used for flavoring the soup and adds a pungent aroma to the dish.

Instructions for Making Tortilla Soup

Making tortilla soup is a simple process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a delicious bowl of savory soup:

1. Prepare the chicken: First, cook boneless chicken breasts in a pan with olive oil until golden brown. Then shred the chicken into thin pieces.

2. Cook onions and garlic: Cook chopped onions and garlic in a pot with olive oil for a few minutes until they become soft.

3. Add tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook for another five minutes until they become soft.

4. Add chicken broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil.

5. Add spices: Add salt, ground cumin, and chili powder to the pot and stir.

6. Add shredded chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the soup and cook for another three minutes.

7. Add cilantro: Chop cilantro leaves and add them to the soup.

8. Prepare the garnish: Crush some tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the soup along with some shredded cheese.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Benefits of Eating Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup is not only delicious, but it’s also rich in nutrients. Here are some benefits of eating tortilla soup:

1. High in vitamins: Tortilla soup contains a range of vegetables that are high in essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

2. Boosts the immune system: The chicken broth in the soup contains collagen and amino acids that help boost the immune system and improve digestion.

3. Provides a good source of protein: The chicken in the soup is a good source of lean protein essential for building and repairing tissues.

4. Low in calories: Tortilla soup is low in calories, making it an ideal meal for those trying to maintain a healthy weight.

5. Gluten-free: If you are allergic to gluten or prefer a gluten-free diet, you can easily make tortilla soup without the tortilla chips.

In Conclusion

Tortilla soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare. You can customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the mix. It is perfect for a cold winter day or a light lunch option. So, next time you are in the mood for a savory soup, give this healthy Mexican dish a try.

Time to Savor Your Delicious Soup!

Thanks for reading this article and taking the time to learn about the simple yet delicious way to make tortilla soup. Now it’s time to enjoy your homemade masterpiece! Don’t forget to share it with your family and friends, and maybe even experiment with different toppings and ingredients. Be sure to check back here for more amazing recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!