Tortilla Soup with Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Cheddar Cheese

Grilled Chicken Avocado Cheddar Tortilla Soup Recipe from California

Region / culture: California | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tortilla Soup with Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Cheddar Cheese

Tortilla soup is a classic Mexican dish that is both comforting and flavorful. This recipe adds a twist by including grilled chicken, avocado, and cheddar cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

Tortilla soup has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in central Mexico and has since become popular worldwide for its rich flavors and versatility.

Ingredients

0.25 cup olive oil
2 tbsp garlic, minced
1 small Spanish yellow onion, chopped
2 anaheim chiles, seeded
4 tbsp tomato paste
1 dozen corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
10 oz (283 g) can whole peeled tomatoes with juice
4 cups chicken stock
0.5 bunch cilantro
cayenne (to taste)
ground cumin (to taste)
chili powder (to taste)
salt (to taste)

Garnish

grilled diced chicken breast
diced california avocado
grated cheddar cheese
crisp tortilla strips

How to prepare

In a two quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat until hot.
Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add garlic and chopped Anaheim chile.
Add tortilla strips that are coated in oil, and sauté until crispy.
Add tomato paste, peeled tomatoes, stock, and chopped cilantro.
Simmer for 15 minutes, then purée and season to taste.
Garnish and serve hot.

Variations

For a vegetarian option, you can omit the grilled chicken and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. You can also customize the toppings to include your favorite ingredients such as sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh lime juice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add a smoky flavor to the soup, you can char the Anaheim chiles over an open flame before adding them to the pot. Additionally, be sure to season the soup to taste with cayenne, cumin, chili powder, and salt for a well-balanced flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tortilla soup with a side of warm cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flavorful tortilla soup is to sauté the onions, garlic, and chiles until they are fragrant and caramelized. This will help to develop the depth of flavor in the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Anaheim chiles, you can use poblano peppers or bell peppers as a substitute. You can also use store-bought tortilla strips instead of making your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup and add the grilled chicken, avocado, and cheddar cheese.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of tortilla soup with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This tortilla soup pairs well with a crisp and refreshing beer, such as a Mexican lager or a light ale. You can also serve it with a glass of chilled white wine or a fruity sangria.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tortilla soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this tortilla soup contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this tortilla soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a filling and satisfying meal option.

Fats

With the addition of olive oil, avocado, and cheddar cheese, this soup is rich in healthy fats that are essential for overall health and well-being.

Proteins

The grilled chicken in this recipe provides a good source of protein, with each serving containing around 20 grams.

Vitamins and minerals

This tortilla soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh ingredients used, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and cilantro, and potassium from the avocado.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the cheddar cheese, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, this tortilla soup is a well-rounded meal option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Tortilla soup with grilled chicken, avocado, and cheddar cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my good friend Maria's house. Maria was known for her delicious and hearty Mexican cooking, and I always loved trying out her new recipes.

As I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of spices and grilled chicken wafting through the air. Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous smile on her face. "I have a special treat for you today, mi amiga," she said, leading me to the stove where a large pot of simmering soup awaited.

I watched as Maria added in the diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic, then poured in the rich chicken broth. The smell was absolutely intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. But Maria wasn't done yet. She grabbed a couple of chicken breasts from the fridge and seasoned them with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Then she fired up the grill and cooked them to perfection.

Once the chicken was done, Maria sliced it into thin strips and set them aside. She then added in some corn, black beans, and diced green chilies to the pot, along with a handful of fresh cilantro. After letting it all simmer for a few more minutes, she ladled the soup into bowls and topped it with the grilled chicken, slices of creamy avocado, and a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese.

I took my first spoonful and was immediately transported to flavor heaven. The soup was warm and comforting, with just the right amount of spice. The grilled chicken added a smoky depth, while the creamy avocado and sharp cheddar cheese brought everything together in perfect harmony. It was a meal I would never forget.

After finishing our bowls, Maria handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. "Now you can make this delicious tortilla soup for your own family," Maria said with a smile.

And that's exactly what I did. I made the soup for my husband and children that very night, and they all raved about how delicious it was. From that moment on, it became a staple in our household, especially during the cooler months when a warm bowl of soup was just what we needed to feel cozy and content.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding in some extra veggies or playing around with different toppings. But the core flavors and ingredients remain the same, a testament to the power of tradition and the joy of sharing a good meal with the ones you love.

Now, whenever I make this tortilla soup with grilled chicken, avocado, and cheddar cheese, I think back to that special day in Maria's kitchen. It reminds me of the gift of friendship, the warmth of a shared meal, and the joy of discovering new flavors and recipes. And I hope that when my own grandchildren grow up, they will carry on the tradition and make this soup for their own families, creating new memories and passing down a delicious legacy.