October 23, 2010

• Homemade Tortilla Soup

  
  Fried Tortilla Strips
  -Ingredients-

    Corn tortillas
  Mild tasting oil for frying
  (many oils will work fine but I use peanut oil)
  Salt

  -Directions-
  1.Cut corn tortillas into thin strips
  
  2.Turn the burner on to medium high and heat about 1 inch of oil
  in a heavy high sided skillet or pot.
  3.When the oil is hot add in  the strips in batches – frying a handful at a time.
  
  (You can test for this by tossing in a tortilla strip.
  If it sinks it is not hot enough.
  If it bubbles and floats immediately after touching the oil, then the oil is ready.
  If the oil bubbles ferociously immediately after adding the strip, then the oil is too hot.
  4. Fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the tortillas have turned light golden, and are crispy.
  
  5. Let drain on paper towels, and sprinkle with a little salt

  My Version of Chicken Tortilla Soup
  -Ingredients-
  2 teaspoons olive oil
  1 medium onion
  1 diced jalapeno (optional)
  2 garlic cloves, minced
  1/2 medium red pepper
  2 Whole boneless skinless Chicken Breasts
  2 cups frozen corn
  1 lg can chicken broth(or water and chicken bullion)
  1 teaspoon chili powder
  1 teaspoon cumin
  1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  (Note: Instead of  chili powder,cumin and cayenne pepper
  you can use a packet of taco seasoning if you prefer)
  1 small can diced chilis
  1 can diced tomatoes or a jar of salsa or 1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes
  1 can of black beans (optional)
  2 limes

  -Directions-
  1. Sauté onion, garlic, jalapeno and red pepper with olive oil in a large pot until soft.
  2. Add all the rest of the ingredients to the large pot and bring to a boil.
  3. After about 15 minutes, remove the chicken breasts and shred.
   4.Return shredded chicken to the pot and simmer an additional 45 minutes.
  (Note: I leave the chicken cook longer,remove it and shred it.
  but do not put it back in the soup.
  I serve it on the side because I prefer soup with less meat.)
  5. After it is finished cooking add juice of 2 fresh squeezed limes
  6.Serve with tortilla strips and other garnishes

  

  Toppings
  Diced Avocados
  Cilantro
  Shredded Cheese
  Sour Cream
  Black Olives
  Shredded Cabbage

  Put tortilla strips in a bowl pour soup over top and garnish as desired.
  

  This was so stinkin’ good!

  • 8:48 am
  • 37 Comments