Chicken Tortilla Soup 

 

This soup is one of my very favorites.  As I write this, my husband, Jerry, is sailing from Tahiti to Hawaii this month and I am home alone with Hal, my kitty, and Miss T, the tortoise.  I thought I would only make the easy fare such as bean burritos, but found I had a hankering for Tortilla Soup.  Glad I love it, because that's what I've been eating the last few nights.  If you don't go over-board on the chips, it is not only nutritious, but it is also a filling diet dish. 

                                                          ~June, 29, 2008                   

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 
1 onion, chopped fine
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 
1 jalapeño chili, seeded and chopped fine

1 tablespoon chili powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 quarts chicken broth (8 cups)
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken (shredded) 
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5-ounce), drained (I like the roasted tomatoes: it gives the soup a burnt look.)
2 tablespoons lime juice plus lime wedges for garnish
Salt and pepper

½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (2 oz) (or other mild, melting cheese)
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Sliced avocado for topping
12 corn tortillas (You may use Tostitos brand chips, but these are not as good as homemade)

Canola oil for frying tortillas

 

  

1.   Bake tortillas in 200°F oven for 10-15 minutes to dry them out a bit. Cut tortillas in half; cut halves into ¼-inch strips. Fry strips in ½ inch of oil, ⅓ at a time, until light brown and crisp. Remove from pan; drain on paper towels. Reserve.

2.   Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in chili powder and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3.   Add broth and chicken and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. With slotted spoon, remove chicken; cool and shred into small pieces.

4.   Return shredded chicken to pot along with tomatoes and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

5.   To serve, top individual serving bowls with avocado and cheese; garnish with tortilla strips, cilantro, and lime wedges.