Hello there! Are you looking for a hearty and delicious soup to warm up your soul on a chilly evening? Look no further than this Tortilla Soup, also known as Sopa de Tortilla. This soup is a classic Mexican dish with a tomato-based broth tailored to your preferences. The familiar name makes it easy to recognize, but the tasty ingredients might just take you by surprise.

In this recipe, we will include the perfect balance of chicken broth, tomatoes, garlic, and onions to create a savory base for the soup. We will then add strips of crispy fried tortillas to give it a satisfying crunch.

This popular soup is perfect for any occasion and is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you are looking for a quick meal or wanting to impress guests, this delicious Tortilla Soup recipe promises to deliver that extra punch of flavor that you crave.

So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

As a chef, I have spent countless hours perfecting my recipe for Tortilla Soup (Sopa de Tortilla). Trust me when I say that this soup is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a staple in your family’s dinner rotation.

Why will you love this recipe? Well, first and foremost, it’s simply delicious. The combination of crispy fried tortilla strips, savory chicken broth, and fresh ingredients such as chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes come together beautifully to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

But what sets this soup apart from other tortilla soups is its depth of flavor. The base of the soup is a tomato-based broth that has been tailored with the addition of ground coriander, salt and pepper to balance out the flavors. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can add pasilla chile to give it an extra kick.

Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile. If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use condensed chicken broth or even vegetable broth as a substitution. You can also customize the toppings to your liking; shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese or even crispy bacon bits are great options.

Overall, this tortilla soup (Sopa de Tortilla) is a delicious and hearty dish that will quickly become a family favorite. So why wait? Head to the kitchen and whip up this amazing soup today – your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredient List

The ingredients you’ll need for this classic Tortilla Soup Recipe are:

All the ingredients required for this recipe can be easily found at your nearest grocery store. Some ingredients like corn tortillas, chicken broth, garlic, onion, and tomatoes are essential for the recipe, but there are others that can be substituted or omitted depending on taste preferences.

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cans of condensed chicken broth
4 cups of water
3 cloves of garlic
1 medium white onion
3 fresh tomatoes (chopped)
2 pasilla chile peppers (chopped)
2 tbsp of canola oil or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
6 corn tortillas
Salt and ground pepper to taste

For toppings, you’ll want to get some crispy fried tortilla strips, Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, finely chopped mint leaves, and extra lime wedges. All these toppings will take your soup to the next level creating a full explosion of flavors.

Tip: for best results make sure all your ingredients are fresh.

The Recipe How-To

Topped with cheese, avocado, and tortilla strips

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started with the recipe. It is important to follow these steps closely in order to obtain a flavorful and delicious Tortilla Soup.

Step 1: Fry the Tortilla Strips

Cut 6 corn tortillas into thin strips. Fry them until golden and crispy in a large saucepan over medium heat, using 2 tbsp of canola oil. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium white onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato-Based Broth

Add 2 cups of water, 1 can of condensed chicken broth, 2 tsp of ground coriander, 1 tsp of ground pepper, and 1 tsp of salt.
Stir well and then add 3 chopped tomatoes, plus one pasilla chile tomato sauce if you want some more spice.

Step 4: Bring to a Simmer + Cook

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes until the flavors are well combined.
You can add some shredded cooked chicken if you want to turn this recipe into a chicken tortilla soup.

Step 5: Garnish with Fried Tortilla Strips, Cheese and Mint

Pour the soup into serving bowls with a handful of fried tortilla strips on top along with some grated cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese.
Finally, sprinkle some fresh mint leaves to bring extra flavor to your completed Tortilla Soup.

Once you’ve made your Tortilla Soup, it’s time to enjoy it! But first, let’s take a look at some tips that can help you perfect it.

Substitutions and Variations

Now, let’s take a moment to talk about substitutions and variations. There are plenty of ways to switch it up and make this recipe your own without sacrificing any of the taste or comfort that a good tortilla soup can provide.

Firstly, for those who prefer a vegetarian version, just switch out the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water. The soup will still have plenty of flavor from the combination of spices and vegetables.

If you want to up the protein content of the dish, try adding some cooked shredded chicken. This will turn your tortilla soup into a chicken tortilla soup and you’ll be amazed at how much more filling it becomes.

Cheese lovers also have several options. While we’ve used cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in the recipe, feel free to use any type of cheese that melts well. Queso Fresco, Cotija or even some crumbled feta could be great options.

If you’re feeling adventurous, add some chopped jalapenos or poblano peppers for extra heat! Alternatively, swap the tomato sauce for a Pasilla Chile Tomato based broth for a twist on the classic sopa de tortilla recipe.

Finally, garnish the soup with some crisp fried tortilla strips, cilantro leaves and thinly sliced red onions for an Instagram-worthy presentation.

Remember, make this recipe your own by trying different combinations until you find your ideal flavour profile- the sky is the limit!

Serving and Pairing

After all of your hard work, it’s time to enjoy your delicious Tortilla Soup! I recommend serving this dish with a side of crispy fried tortilla strips. Not only do they add a nice texture to the soup, but they also pack an extra punch of flavor.

This soup pairs well with a cool and refreshing mint cucumber salad. The mint adds a fresh and vibrant component to the meal that perfectly complements the rich and spicy flavors in the soup.

For a heartier meal, serve Tortilla Soup with some warm fluffy cornbread or steamed rice. Alternatively, you can pair it with your favorite Mexican beer or even a glass of red wine.

I cannot stress enough the importance of garnish when serving this soup. I like to top mine off with some freshly chopped cilantro, diced onion, a squeeze of lime juice and shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey jack cheese for an added layer of richness. This garnish gives the perfect finishing touch to this familiar name in Mexican cuisine – Sopa de Tortilla!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the most appealing aspects of this tortilla soup recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and reheated with ease, without compromising its delicious taste and texture. Here are some tips on how to make, store and reheat your soup.

Firstly, if you plan on making the soup ahead of time or if you have leftovers, it’s important to store it properly. The best way to store the soup is by transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating it within two hours of cooking. In the refrigerator, the soup will last up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze the soup for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.

When reheating the refrigerated or frozen soup, it’s important to do so gently so as not to overcook the chicken or soften the tortilla strips. To reheat a single serving, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments until heated through. Alternatively, heat the desired amount of soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add more liquid if necessary.

For those who prefer to plan ahead, you can also make the fried tortilla strips (or purchase them) ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This way, you can easily add them to your reheated soup for that crispy texture and extra flavor.

Overall, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just wanting to enjoy leftovers for lunch tomorrow, this tortilla soup recipe provides tasty and convenient options for storing and reheating your delectable leftovers.

Tips for Perfect Results

Making a delicious tortilla soup is easy when you follow the steps provided in this recipe, but there are a few tips that can make your soup even better. Here are some tricks I use to ensure that my tortilla soup is perfect every time:

1. Use canned fire-roasted tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky flavor to your soup and are less watery than regular canned tomatoes.

2. Fry the tortilla strips until crispy: The texture of the tortilla strips is crucial for this dish. Make sure to fry them until they are golden brown and crispy.

3. Use high-quality chicken broth: The quality of your chicken broth will impact the taste of your soup. I recommend using a good quality condensed chicken broth or making your own from scratch.

4. Add toppings just before serving: Toppings like avocado, cheese, and sour cream should be added just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy in the soup.

5. Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste your soup frequently as you cook it and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings in small increments until you achieve the desired flavor.

By following these tips, you can make sure that your tortilla soup turns out beautifully every time. Enjoy!

FAQ

As we near the end of this article, it’s important to address some common questions and concerns that may arise while preparing this delicious tortilla soup recipe. To make sure that you have all the information needed to cook this dish like a pro, I’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions and provided detailed answers below. Keep reading to find out everything you’ll need to know about making the perfect Sopa De Tortilla!

What is Mexican tortilla soup called?

Tortilla soup, also known as Sopa Azteca in Mexico, is a flavorful broth that features a base of tangy tomatoes and spicy pasilla chiles. The soup is served with a variety of garnishes on the side, offering guests the freedom to customize their bowl with tasty toppings like crispy tortillas, tender chicken, creamy avocado, crunchy chicharrones, fragrant cilantro, zesty salsa and fresh lime juice.

Where is Sopa de Tortilla from?

Originating from central Mexico, sopa de tortilla, also known as tortilla soup, is a widely popular soup with multiple variations. The soup can have various ingredients such as shredded chicken, roasted poblano peppers, and chicharrones, making it a versatile dish.

How can I thicken my tortilla soup?

For those in need of a faster solution, a simple addition of 1-2 tsp. of arrowroot starch mixed with a small amount of liquid from the soup can be added for thickening. Once fully dissolved, pour the mixture back into the soup and allow it to cook for just a few minutes – voila! A thickened soup at your fingertips in minutes.

What is chicken tortilla soup made of?

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, chicken tortilla soup is a genuine dish that’s often enjoyed in households across the country. Typically, this soup incorporates ingredients such as garlic, onion, chiles, chicken broth, and tomatoes. Often, the soup is served with fried tortilla strips. Variations of the recipe may also include beans as an added ingredient.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Tortilla Soup (Sopa De Tortilla) recipe is one of my go-to choices when I want to make something simple, satisfying and delicious. This soup recipe is a perfect blend of Mexican and American flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

As with any recipe, it’s important to use fresh ingredients and follow the directions carefully to achieve the desired results. By using high-quality spices, such as ground coriander and mint, you’ll be able to add extra depth and flavor to your soup.

One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is its versatility. You can customize it to your palette by substituting some ingredients or adding your own variations. Whether you prefer chicken tortilla soup or a vegetarian version, this recipe can cater to all your dietary needs.

To add some crunch to the soup, I highly recommend using tortilla strips or crispy fried tortillas as a topping. Additionally, pairing the soup with shredded cheddar cheese or Monterrey Jack cheese adds another layer of richness and creaminess.

Overall, the Sopa De Tortilla recipe is an easy-to-make and tasty option for any meal throughout the day. Its robust mix of spices and flavors makes it a popular choice in Mexican cuisine, but it also has options for American flair too. You can’t go wrong with this comforting bowl of goodness that will rally satisfied your hunger. So what are you waiting for? Give this soup recipe a try today!

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About Dora @ Kitchen on Cary

Dora

Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.

Delicious Tortilla Soup: A Satisfying Comfort Food