Tortilla soup, or “sopa de tortilla,” is a beloved Mexican classic known for its rich, flavorful broth and an abundance of toppings that turn it into a fiesta in a bowl. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a delightful crowd-pleaser, or a satisfying comfort food, Speedy Tortilla Soup is the answer.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through an easy and speedy recipe for this mouthwatering soup. We’ll also explore some tips, variations, and even keto-friendly and low-carb versions. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Mexico without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 32 oz (1 quart) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (for garnish)
For the Toppings:
- Avocado, sliced
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté for a few minutes until they become translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add the diced chicken to the pot and season it with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Base
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and give it a good stir.
- Add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers and continue cooking for about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
- Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for around 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Beans and Corn
- Add the drained black beans and corn kernels. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Squeeze in the juice of one lime to brighten up the flavors.
- Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed with more salt and pepper.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the hot Speedy Tortilla Soup into bowls.
- Let your creativity run wild with toppings. Avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, a handful of tortilla chips or strips, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a lime wedge are all fantastic choices.
- Finish it off with a generous garnish of freshly chopped cilantro.
Cook’s Notes
- Toppings Galore: The beauty of tortilla soup lies in the variety of toppings. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorites. Sliced jalapeños, diced red onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce can add extra kick.
- Protein Options: While chicken is a common choice, you can use other proteins like shredded cooked beef, ground turkey, or even keep it vegetarian with tofu or extra beans.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by tweaking the amount of chili powder or by adding hot sauce. If you prefer a milder version, use less chili powder or omit it altogether.
- Homemade Tortilla Strips: Make your tortilla strips by slicing corn tortillas into thin strips and frying or baking them until crispy. They add a fantastic crunch to your soup.
- Make It Creamy: If you enjoy a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto-Friendly Tortilla Soup:
- Omit the corn and black beans to reduce carbs.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to up the fiber content.
- Increase the fat content by adding more cheese, avocado, and sour cream for a keto-friendly, high-fat option.
Low-Carb Tortilla Soup:
- Substitute the black beans and corn with lower-carb options like black soybeans and grilled bell peppers.
- Use crushed pork rinds instead of tortilla chips for added crunch without the carbs.
- Keep the carb content in check by adjusting the portion sizes of the vegetables to suit your dietary needs.
Conclusion
Speedy Tortilla Soup is a fantastic, easy-to-make dish that’s brimming with Mexican-inspired flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds. With a variety of toppings and customizations available, it’s a versatile option for home cooks.
The keto and low-carb versions provide options for those with specific dietary requirements. Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, tortilla soup captures the essence of Mexican cuisine in every spoonful. Prepare it, savor it, and share it with your loved ones. A flavorful fiesta in a bowl is just a recipe away.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with Speedy Tortilla Soup, and remember that it’s the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Add your own twists, try different toppings, and make it your own. With this recipe, you’re not just making soup; you’re crafting an experience.
Let’s turn your kitchen into a Mexican cocina, one bowl of Speedy Tortilla Soup at a time.
