The Most Amazing Tortilla Soup

Warm & Delicious!

 I was super excited to try this recipe because ,well like you all know I love Mexican food and since it is getting colder a warm soup seemed to be the best way to stay warm and cozy.

I already had a good amount of the ingredients for this in my pantry and what I had to buy at the market wasn’t expensive at all so that was perfect. I omitted chicken because I don’t love chicken in soup, but the original recipe had it. I wish I added one more can of black beans so if you don’t use any meat I would suggest using two cans of beans. I went a bit crazy at Trader Joe’s when I was shopping for this and got an awesome guacamole kit, which I am hoping to buy every week. It had everything I needed and it was so cute all in one package. I also bought a mirepoix mix because I was too lazy to chop up onions, celery and carrots. The recipe didn’t call for it, but I thought it would make a nice addition. Like almost all recipes I use I just add whatever I have on hand that makes sense and make substitutions when necessary. 

Seriously- how cute is this??

Putting together this soup together was super simple and you don’t even have to watch it really once you add the liquid. If you get to the step in this recipe where you need to add the cornmeal paste- don’t get confused. It made the soup so much thicker and gave it a great consistency. I had leftovers of this last night and it is even better next day. Delicious. 

Sautee veggies then dump everything else in!

You have a million options as far as toppings. Add whatever you like, cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, jalapenos, cilantro- anything goes. I do however think you should add the cut up corn tortilla strips. I was not sure it would be good, but it gave it great texture. This will be in my weekly rotation for sure!When reading through the recipe if you don't have time to let it simmer for 45 minutes don't worry. I was so hungry I couldn't wait and it was still really good!

Here is the recipe from The Pioneer Woman. Enjoy!

I served with some baked chips. Look at that steam!!

Ingredients

• 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 cup Diced Onion
• 1/4 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper
• 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 can (10 Oz. Can) Rotel Tomatoes And Green Chilies
• 32 ounces, fluid Low Sodium Chicken Stock
• 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 4 cups Hot Water
• 2 cans (15 Oz. Can) Black Beans, Drained
• 3 Tablespoons Cornmeal Or Masa
• 5 whole Corn Tortillas, Cut Into Uniform Strips Around 2 To 3 Inches
• FOR THE GARNISHES( some examples) :
• Sour Cream
• Diced Avocado
• Diced Red Onion
• Salsa Or Pico De Gallo
• Grated Monterey Jack Cheese
• Cilantro

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cumin, chili pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on chicken breasts, then sprinkle a small amount of spice mix on both sides. Set aside the rest of the spice mix.
Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done. Use two forks to shred chicken. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add onions, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and begin cooking, then add the rest of the spice mix. Stir to combine, then add shredded chicken and stir.
Pour in Rotel, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes, uncovered.
Mix cornmeal with a small amount of water. Pour into the soup, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Check seasonings, adding more if needed---add more chili powder if it needs more spice, and be sure not to undersalt. Turn off heat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Five minutes before serving, gently stir in tortilla strips.
Ladle into bowls, then top with whatever toppings you like (The garnishes really make the soup delicious.) If you have guests you can put small bowls of different toppings and they can pick what they want!