Tortilla Soup

Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

1 cup water

2 Cups Veggie or Chicken Broth, plus 1 cup for cooking the chicken

2 tbsp. southwest taco seasoning or carne asada seasoning

1 can corn, drained

1 can black beans, drained

1 can diced tomatoes

1 large (16oz) can crushed tomatoes 

1 avocado
juice of 1-2 limes

1/2 cup shredded Mexican 4-Cheese Blend

3 tbsp. Chopped Cilantro

1 cup shredded chicken

Tortilla Chips, your preference of amount

1 half small onion

5 gloves garlic

1 Anaheim chile (or spicier peppers, if you prefer)

1 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. green onions
Salt & pepper to taste. 

Preparation:

1. Boil chicken breast in broth,or water with extra seasoning. Boil until cooked through and shred.

2. Dice garlic, onion and chile into very small pieces. Simmer in large pot with olive oil until soft.

3. Add the seasoning, water, broth, lime juice and crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.

4. Add the corn, diced tomatoes and beans, and let it simmer for ten minutes.

5. Add the shredded chicken, salt, pepper and cilantro and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Pour potions into separate bowls for serving.

7. Crumble tortilla chips over soup, then layer shredded cheese, sliced avocado and green onions. The tortilla chips should start absorbing the broth, so it become less like a soup, and more like a hearty salsa or chile. The cheese will melt and it will be delicious. 

This recipe is a base- it is very adaptable to what you already have in the kitchen. I have made it without chicken, with pinto beans instead of black beans, used oregano and cumin instead of southwest seasoning, Chad always leaves the green onions out. You can add spicier peppers, or top with salsa, and I imagine sour cream, but I think it is just fine without. I have even added rice once, instead of tortilla chips. I would just be careful to make sure you season enough that the tomato flavor doesn't overwhelm the other flavors. It is better to over-season this recipe, rather than under-season. I find that if instead of chopping the garlic, onion and Anaheim chile, I use the food processor, they become stronger flavors.