Print

Mexican Tortilla Soup

Mexican Tortilla Soup

Mexican Tortilla Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring smoky chipotle peppers, fresh tomatoes, and crispy tortilla strips. This vibrant soup blends bold, authentic Mexican flavors with fresh herbs and creamy avocado, perfect for warming up cozy nights or a flavorful, nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 4 cups fresh tomatoes (roughly chopped)
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil (such as vegetable or olive oil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional spices: 1 tsp ground cumin, pinch of smoked paprika

Tortilla Strips

  • 4 corn tortillas (cut into thin strips)
  • Oil for frying or baking spray

Garnishes

  • 1 avocado (diced or sliced)
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 lime (cut into wedges for juice)
  • Optional: queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in a splash of oil over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, to build the aromatic foundation of the soup.
  2. Blend Tomatoes and Chipotle: In a blender, puree fresh tomatoes with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce until smooth, creating the smoky, vibrant essence of the soup.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Pour the tomato-chipotle puree into the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Add chicken or vegetable broth along with salt, pepper, and optional spices like cumin or smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and broth to thicken slightly.
  4. Crisp the Tortilla Strips: Cut corn tortillas into thin strips. Fry them in hot oil for a few minutes until golden and crunchy, or bake in an oven at 375°F (190°C) with a light coating of oil for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then top generously with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add optional cheese or additional garnishes as desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh tomatoes and herbs for the brightest flavors.
  • Adjust chipotle quantity to control the heat level.
  • Add tortilla strips just before serving to maintain crunch.
  • Toast cumin or add smoked paprika for deeper savory notes.
  • Let the soup rest for 10 minutes after cooking to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican tortilla soup, chipotle soup, tortilla strips, spicy soup, gluten free soup, avocado soup, comfort food