Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a bowl of pure comfort, you’ve got to try this tortilla soup recipe! It’s a simple yet oh-so-delicious dish that embodies everything I love about Mexican cuisine. Picture this: a warm, hearty broth filled with tender chicken, vibrant corn, and those crispy tortilla strips that just take it over the top! Every spoonful wraps you in a cozy hug, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up. Trust me, the simplicity of the ingredients allows all the flavors to shine through beautifully. It’s not just food; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, bringing that delightful essence of Mexican comfort food straight to your table. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything you need for this delightful tortilla soup! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that comforting flavor profile, so make sure you have the following:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is what we’ll use to sauté our aromatics and create a rich base for our soup.
- 1 onion, diced: A medium onion, diced finely, will add sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic punch!
- 1 jalapeño, diced: This adds a lovely kick; you can adjust the heat based on your taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: For that warm, earthy flavor that’s so characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a bit of warmth and spice to the mix.
- 4 cups chicken broth: This forms the heart of your soup, so go for a good-quality broth.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a burst of flavor.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Sweet and crunchy, corn brings a delightful texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning your soup just right.
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips: These will be fried to create those fabulous crunchy toppings.
- 1 avocado, diced: For a creamy finish that balances the soup beautifully.
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges: A squeeze of lime just before serving will elevate the flavors.
With these ingredients prepped and ready, you’re well on your way to a delicious bowl of tortilla soup!
How to Prepare Tortilla Soup Recipe Easy Mexican Comfort Food
Alright, let’s dive into making this amazing tortilla soup! The beauty of this recipe is how straightforward it is—perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you just want something comforting. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of soup simmering away in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking!
- Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeño, cooking for another minute. Keep stirring so nothing burns. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen!
- Now, sprinkle in the ground cumin and chili powder. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This is what gives your soup that wonderful depth of flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to let it bubble away for a couple of minutes.
- Next, add the diced tomatoes, shredded chicken, and corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for 15 minutes to allow all those lovely flavors to meld.
- While your soup is simmering, fry the tortilla strips in a separate pan until they’re crispy. Just a few minutes will do! Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
- Once the soup has finished simmering, serve it hot in bowls, garnished with those crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy every spoonful!
And there you have it! A cozy, comforting tortilla soup that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tortilla soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and comfort! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this easy Mexican comfort food:
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time, you can whip up a hearty soup even on the busiest nights!
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry, making it a breeze to put together.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Each bowl is filled with warmth and flavor that wraps you in a cozy embrace—perfect for chilly evenings.
- Feed a Crowd: This recipe yields four generous servings, making it great for family dinners or gatherings.
Trust me, once you taste this delicious tortilla soup, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Tips for Success
To ensure your tortilla soup turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use high-quality chicken broth; it makes a huge difference in flavor. If you can, opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the salt levels better. When sautéing the onions, don’t rush it—allow them to become translucent to unlock their natural sweetness. Also, be cautious with the jalapeño; if you’re sensitive to heat, you might want to start with half and add more as you taste. Keep an eye on those tortilla strips while frying; they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in a flash! Lastly, don’t skip the lime juice—its brightness elevates all the flavors beautifully!
Variations
This tortilla soup is delicious as it is, but there are so many fun ways to customize it to suit your tastes! If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, swap out the chicken for black beans or pinto beans for that hearty feel. You can also throw in some diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies! If you love heat, don’t be shy—add more jalapeño or even some diced serrano peppers for a fiery kick!
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a spoonful of chipotle in adobo for a smoky flavor. And for toppings, the possibilities are endless! Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese can add a creamy finish, while a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt brings a tangy contrast. You can even garnish with fresh radishes for crunch. Get creative and make this soup your own!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that values can vary widely based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. This tortilla soup recipe offers a hearty serving size, typically around 350 calories per bowl, with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. However, for precise nutritional information, I always recommend checking the labels of your specific ingredients. Enjoy this comforting dish while being mindful of your personal dietary needs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I highly doubt because this soup is so good!), storing them properly is key to enjoying them again. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when it was made!
When it’s time to enjoy your soup again, reheating is a breeze. I recommend doing it on the stovetop for the best results. Just pour the soup into a pot, heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If you prefer the microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot. Just remember, stir in any toppings like avocado or cilantro fresh before serving for that delightful crunch!
FAQ Section
Can I make this tortilla soup recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the shredded chicken for a can of black beans or pinto beans, and you’ll still have a hearty and satisfying meal. You can also add in more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition!
How spicy is this tortilla soup?
The heat level really depends on the amount of jalapeño you use. If you prefer a milder soup, start with half a jalapeño and taste as you go. You can always add more heat later if you like!
Can I freeze leftover tortilla soup?
Yes, you can! Just let the soup cool completely before pouring it into airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What toppings do you recommend?
I love topping my tortilla soup with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. You can also add crumbled cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor!
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic way to save time and still get that delicious flavor in your soup. Just shred it up and toss it in when the recipe calls for cooked chicken.
For more information on the health benefits of chicken broth, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on how to properly store and reheat soup, visit this Kitchn guide.
Print
Tortilla Soup Recipe Easy Mexican Comfort Food in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious tortilla soup recipe that embodies the essence of Mexican comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup corn kernels
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another minute.
- Add cumin and chili powder, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add diced tomatoes, cooked chicken, and corn.
- Season with salt and pepper, simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a separate pan, fry tortilla strips until crispy.
- Serve soup hot, garnished with tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with beans.
- Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of jalapeño.
- Top with cheese or sour cream for additional richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: tortilla soup recipe, easy mexican comfort food
