Tortilla Soup

Authentic Tortilla Soup Recipe from Mexico with Chicken, Avocado and Spices

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 8

Introduction

Tortilla soup is a traditional Mexican dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal. This soup is made with a rich and spicy broth, tender chicken, and topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Tortilla soup has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in central Mexico, where it was created as a way to use up leftover tortillas and other ingredients. Over time, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to include a variety of different ingredients and flavors. Today, tortilla soup is enjoyed all over the world and is a popular choice for those looking for a delicious and comforting meal.

Ingredients

8 (6 inches) corn tortillas
2 cups thinly sliced onion
0.75 tsp salt
0.5 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
a dash of ground allspice
3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken pieces, skinned
3 (14 oz (397 g)) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 carrot, cut into 3 pieces
1 celery stalk, cut in half crosswise
1 bay leaf
0.25 cup ground red chiles
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 cup diced peeled avocado
0.5 cup fat-free sour cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Cut each tortilla in half.
Cut the tortilla halves into 0.25 inch strips.
Arrange the tortilla strips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 6 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring after 3 minutes.
Allow the tortilla strips to cool completely.
In a 6 qt (5.68 liter) pressure cooker, combine the onion and the next 9 ingredients (onion through bay leaf).
Close the lid securely and bring it to high pressure over high heat.
Adjust the heat to medium or the level needed to maintain high pressure, and cook for 20 minutes.
Remove the pressure cooker from heat and place it under cold running water.
Remove the lid.
Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool slightly.
Remove the chicken from the bones and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Discard the bones.
Strain the stock through a sieve into a bowl and discard the solids.
Return the stock to the pressure cooker and stir in the ground chiles, oregano, cumin, and chicken. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
Divide the tortilla strips evenly among each of 8 bowls.
Top each serving with about 1.33 cups of soup, 2 tbsp of avocado, 1 tbsp of sour cream, and 0.75 tsp of cilantro.

Variations

Add corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes to the soup for extra flavor and texture.
Use shredded beef or pork instead of chicken for a different twist on this classic dish.
Garnish the soup with sliced jalapenos, radishes, or green onions for a pop of color and heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To make the tortilla strips extra crispy, be sure to bake them in a single layer on a baking sheet and stir them halfway through baking.

- For a spicier soup, add more ground red chiles or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.

- If you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.

- To save time, you can use store-bought tortilla strips instead of making your own.

Serving Suggestions

Tortilla soup can be served with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad. It is also delicious topped with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a pressure cooker to quickly cook the chicken and create a flavorful broth. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can simmer the soup on the stove for about 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground red chiles, you can use chili powder or cayenne pepper instead.

- Instead of fresh avocado, you can use store-bought guacamole or avocado salsa.

- If you're out of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or crema Mexicana as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the tortilla strips and cook the chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the soup. The broth can also be made in advance and reheated when you're ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the tortilla soup in individual bowls and top each serving with a generous amount of crispy tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro. You can also garnish the soup with a sprinkle of cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Tortilla soup pairs well with a cold beer, a glass of chilled white wine, or a refreshing agua fresca. You can also serve it with a side of chips and salsa for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover tortilla soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin out the soup if it has thickened.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of tortilla soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of tortilla soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of tortilla soup contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of tortilla soup contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tortilla soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (tortillas) and dairy (sour cream). It may also contain traces of nuts if garnished with them.

Summary

Tortilla soup is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Tortilla soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients and flavors. Whether you're looking for a hearty soup to warm you up on a cold day or a satisfying meal to enjoy with friends and family, tortilla soup is sure to hit the spot.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a cool autumn day and I was visiting my friend Maria in Mexico. She had invited me over for lunch and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of simmering spices filled the air.

Maria was busy chopping tomatoes and onions, and I watched in awe as she skillfully prepared the ingredients for what she called Tortilla Soup. As she added the broth and let it simmer on the stove, she explained to me the history behind this traditional Mexican dish.

She told me that Tortilla Soup, also known as Sopa Azteca, has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. It originated from the Aztec people who used to make a simple soup with tomatoes, chilies, and corn tortillas. Over the years, the recipe evolved and became more flavorful with the addition of chicken, avocado, and cilantro.

Maria handed me a bowl of the steaming soup and as I took my first spoonful, I was transported to a world of rich flavors and comforting warmth. The tangy tomatoes, spicy chilies, and crunchy tortilla strips all combined to create a symphony of tastes that danced on my palate.

I begged Maria to teach me how to make the soup and she graciously agreed. As we cooked together, she shared with me her tips and tricks for creating the perfect Tortilla Soup. She emphasized the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together.

After several hours of chopping, stirring, and simmering, we finally sat down to enjoy our labor of love. The soup was even more delicious than I remembered, and I felt a deep sense of accomplishment knowing that I had learned how to make such a beloved dish.

From that day on, Tortilla Soup became a regular part of my culinary repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a cold winter night. Each time I cooked the soup, I felt a sense of connection to Maria and the rich culinary traditions of Mexico.

Over the years, I continued to refine my recipe for Tortilla Soup, adding my own twist with a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of cheese. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of this flavorful dish to the next generation.

As I look back on that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I am grateful for the gift of learning how to make Tortilla Soup. It has not only nourished my body but also my soul, reminding me of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

So the next time you find yourself craving a warm and comforting meal, I urge you to try making Tortilla Soup. Let the flavors of Mexico transport you to a world of culinary delight, where every spoonful is a celebration of tradition, friendship, and love.