Chef notes
When I went to Rutgers, my mom would visit, and we'd go to a nearby Mexican restaurant. They had the best tortilla soup, but it was the way they served it that made it so fun. They'd put all the yummy toppings in the bottom of a bowl, then pour the soup over it when they served it. So, this is my version that I re-created years ago. Brian and Calvin have that thing where cilantro and cumin tastes like soap to them, so I leave that out, as well as the spice, for the kids. But it would be just as good — if not better — with those added back in!
To add the zing back to your soup by tossing in 2 diced jalapeños, 1/2 teaspoon cumin and a large handful of cilantro leaves.
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Ingredients
- olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 medium carrots, diced
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 (32-ounce) boxes chicken broth
- 3 chicken breasts
- vegetable oil, for frying
- corn tortillas, cut into strips
- diced avocado
- shredded Mexican-style or cheddar cheese
- sour cream
Preparation
1.Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to thinly coat the bottom. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, peppers and garlic until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Add in beans, corn, tomatoes and chili powder. Add in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then let simmer until all the flavors come together. Add a heavy pinch of salt and the chicken, then bring to a boil and cook until chicken is cooked through.
2.Remove chicken, shred with two forks and return it to the soup.
3.Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a frying pan set over medium-high heat. Add in tortilla strips, a handful at a time, and cook until crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle generously with salt while still hot.
To serve:
Place the diced avocado, tortilla strips and cheese to the bottom of a bowl, then top with the soup. Add a dollop of sour cream and enjoy!
