Homemade tortilla soup is a delightful Mexican soup made from scratch and filled with mouthwatering flavors. Primarily composed of tender chicken, crushed tomatoes, various spices, and veggies like corn and beans, this soup is best served hot, garnished with avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips, and shredded cheese. It is a nutritious and comforting soup that will satisfy your cravings and warm your heart on cold days.
The Origin of Tortilla Soup
As a proud Mexican with a passion for our rich culinary heritage, I am excited to share with you the history and cultural significance of homemade tortilla soup. This famous soup has its roots in Mexico and goes back centuries. Initially called “Sopa Azteca,” the soup was a staple among the Aztecs, who used maize as their main ingredient. The soup was considered a hearty meal, perfect for warriors, farmers, and laborers.
The Cultural Significance
Tortilla soup has a rich cultural significance in Mexico. It is a symbol of resilience, resourcefulness, and creativity. Mexican cuisine is known for its fusion of flavors, and the tortilla soup is no exception. The soup is a perfect blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. The soup has become a symbol of Mexican hospitality, and it is a staple in many Mexican households.
The Variations of Tortilla Soup
The tortilla soup has many variations, but the most popular one is the one made with chicken. This soup is known as “Sopa de Tortilla con Pollo.” Other variations include “Sopa de Tortilla con Frijoles,” which is made with beans, and “Sopa de Tortilla con Verduras,” which is made with vegetables. The soup can be served with a variety of toppings, including avocado, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.
The Recipe for Homemade Tortilla Soup
Here is a recipe for homemade tortilla soup that is easy to follow and delicious:
Ingredients:
- 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings: avocado, sour cream, cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the tortilla strips on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until crispy.
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño pepper, and cook until softened.
- Add the cumin and oregano, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup in bowls and top with the crispy tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.
Tips and Tricks
To make the soup creamier, you can add a cup of heavy cream. You can also use beef or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make the soup spicier, you can add more jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add corn, black beans, or rice to the soup for a heartier meal.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
The chicken tortilla soup is the most popular variation of the soup. This soup is made by first sautéing onions, garlic, and jalapeño pepper in oil until they are soft. Then, cumin and oregano are added to the pot and cooked for a minute. Diced tomatoes and chicken broth are then added to the pot and brought to a boil. The soup is then simmered for 10 minutes before adding shredded cooked chicken. The soup is then simmered for another 5 minutes before being served with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.
Bean Tortilla Soup
The bean tortilla soup is another variation of the soup that is easy to make and delicious. This soup is made by first sautéing onions, garlic, and jalapeño pepper in oil until they are soft. Then, cumin and oregano are added to the pot and cooked for a minute. Diced tomatoes, black beans, and chicken broth are then added to the pot and brought to a boil. The soup is then simmered for 10 minutes before being served with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.
Vegetable Tortilla Soup
The vegetable tortilla soup is a healthy and delicious variation of the soup. This soup is made by first sautéing onions, garlic, and jalapeño pepper in oil until they are soft. Then, cumin and oregano are added to the pot and cooked for a minute. Diced tomatoes, zucchini, corn, and vegetable broth are then added to the pot and brought to a boil. The soup is then simmered for 10 minutes before being served with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.
FAQs: Homemade Tortilla Soup
What is homemade tortilla soup?
Homemade tortilla soup is a comforting and flavorful soup made with chicken broth, vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic, and seasonings such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano. The soup is typically garnished with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Is making homemade tortilla soup difficult?
No, making homemade tortilla soup is not difficult. It does require some prep work, such as chopping vegetables and cutting tortillas into strips, but the recipe itself is straightforward. The soup consists of simmering the ingredients in chicken broth until they are tender and flavorful, and then garnishing with toppings.
Can I make homemade tortilla soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make homemade tortilla soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting any chicken. You can add extra vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms to add more texture and flavor to the soup.
Can I make homemade tortilla soup in advance?
Yes, you can make homemade tortilla soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, make sure to add a little extra broth or water as the soup may thicken as it sits. You can also freeze homemade tortilla soup for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What variations can I make to homemade tortilla soup?
There are many variations you can make to homemade tortilla soup, depending on your personal preference. You can add shredded chicken, beef, or pork for a heartier soup, or substitute the chicken broth for beef or veggie broth. You can also add beans such as black or pinto beans, or top the soup with cheese, sour cream, or hot sauce for extra flavor.