Tortilla soup is a classic Mexican dish that has been around for centuries. It’s a simple yet delicious combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, with a creamy broth and crunchy tortilla strips. This traditional dish is often served with a side of rice or beans, and is a favorite of many Mexican restaurants. It’s also easy to make at home and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
To make a traditional tortilla soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 cups of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of cooked black beans
- 1/2 cup of corn
- 1/2 cup of cooked diced chicken (optional)
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (optional)
- Tortilla chips or strips, for garnish
Instructions
To make this delicious tortilla soup, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper and stir to combine.
- Add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the cilantro, salt and pepper, black beans, corn, and chicken (if using). Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Divide the soup into individual bowls, top with shredded cheese (if using), and garnish with tortilla chips or strips. Enjoy!
Variations
This classic tortilla soup can be made with a variety of ingredients, so feel free to get creative and add whatever you like! Here are some ideas for variations:
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or other vegetables.
- Add cooked shrimp or fish.
- Add a can of green chilies.
- Add a can of black beans or pinto beans.
- Garnish with sour cream, diced avocados, or chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve with a side of tortillas or warm cornbread.
Conclusion
Tortilla soup is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and can be customized with whatever ingredients you like. This classic dish can be made with a variety of ingredients, so feel free to get creative and have fun with it!
