How long does it take to make Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup?

Based on our recipe instructions, the entire process will take you about 45 to 50 minutes. This includes preparation and cooking time. The soup simmers for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, while the prep and final touches will take additional time.

What ingredients do I need for Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup?

You'll need the following ingredients: olive oil, onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, cumin, ground chipotle pepper, fire roasted tomatoes and green chiles, chicken stock, black beans, frozen corn, shredded beef, shredded cheese, limes, avocado, cilantro, green onions, corn tortillas, and jalapenos.

Can I make the soup spicier?

Absolutely! To add more heat to the soup, you can include additional jalapeno slices or increase the amount of ground chipotle pepper. Tasting as you go and adjusting the spice level to your liking ensures you get the perfect kick.

What can I use instead of chicken stock?

If you prefer a vegetarian version or don't have chicken stock on hand, you can use vegetable stock. It will still provide a rich base for the soup while catering to different dietary preferences.

How do I prepare the tortilla strips?

To prepare the tortilla strips, warm vegetable oil in a small pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla strips in a single layer for about 30-45 seconds on each side until they're crispy. Use tongs to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Prepare the soup up to the point of adding garnishes. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add fresh garnishes like avocado, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips.

Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup: Bold and Spicy Fiesta in a Bowl

Name: Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: – 2 tsp (10 ml) olive oil; – 1 onion, roughly chopped; – 3-4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped; – 1 jalapeno pepper, stem and seeds removed and roughly chopped; – kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper; – 1/4 tsp (1 ml) dried oregano; – 1/4 tsp (1 ml) cumin; – 1/2 tsp (3 ml) ground chipotle pepper; – 1 14-oz (400 g) can fire roasted tomatoes and green chiles; – 3 cups (720 ml) chicken stock; – 3/4 cup (180 g) black beans; – 3/4 cup (120 g) frozen corn; – 1 cup (150 g) shredded beef; – shredded cheese – colby jack / monterey jack / pepper jack, your choice; – quartered limes; – cubed avocado; – cilantro; – sliced green onions; – 2 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips; – sliced jalapenos

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📑 Table of Contents ▶

Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup
Mastering Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup
Fundamentals
Preparation/Setup
Enhancing Your Tortilla Soup Experience
Technique
Tips/Tricks
Perfecting Your Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup
Perfecting Results
Troubleshooting/Variations
Serving and Storing Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup
Serving/Presentation
Pairings/Storage
Conclusion
FAQs – Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup

Cooking has always been my happy place, where I find solace in the sizzle of a hot pan or the scent of garlic wafting through the air. One of the most comforting dishes I’ve discovered is Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup. It’s a recipe that brings warmth in every spoonful and involves a delightful balance of flavors. The process of making this soup is much like life—sometimes messy, a little unplanned, but always rewarding in the end.

Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup is not just a dish; it’s an experience. It reminds me of cozy gatherings and laughter-filled nights, where the soup pot becomes the centerpiece of the table. This dish embodies the essence of simplicity and comfort, with its rich broth and hearty ingredients blending harmoniously. Every time I prepare it, I’m reminded of why I started this blog—to create and share moments of joy through food.

In the heart of my kitchen, where creativity knows no bounds, this Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup has become a staple. It’s a testament to the idea that cooking need not be complicated to be delicious. With a handful of ingredients and a bit of love, you can craft something truly special—something that not only feeds the body but also nourishes the soul.

Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup

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Author: Luna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Blending
Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious and hearty Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup with this simple recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

– 2 tsp (10 ml) olive oil
– 1 onion, roughly chopped
– 3-4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
– 1 jalapeno pepper, stem and seeds removed and roughly chopped
– kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
– 1/4 tsp (1 ml) dried oregano
– 1/4 tsp (1 ml) cumin
– 1/2 tsp (3 ml) ground chipotle pepper
– 1 14-oz (400 g) can fire roasted tomatoes and green chiles
– 3 cups (720 ml) chicken stock
– 3/4 cup (180 g) black beans
– 3/4 cup (120 g) frozen corn
– 1 cup (150 g) shredded beef
– shredded cheese – colby jack / monterey jack / pepper jack, your choice
– quartered limes
– cubed avocado
– cilantro
– sliced green onions
– 2 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
– sliced jalapenos

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Instructions

Warm a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the onion, garlic, and jalapeno, cooking until the onion becomes clear and the jalapeno softens. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, dried oregano, cumin, and chipotle pepper. Mix thoroughly and let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken stock, then bring the concoction to a rolling boil. Lower the heat and let it gently simmer for 30 minutes.
With an immersion blender, puree the soup until creamy. Sample the flavor and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. Stir in the black beans, corn, and shredded beef.
Portion the soup into four bowls and garnish with cheese, avocado, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips. Squeeze additional lime juice over the top if desired, and add jalapeno slices. Serve right away.
To prepare the tortilla strips: In a small pan, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, lay the tortilla strips in a single layer, frying them quickly for around 30-45 seconds, turning them once so both sides crisp up. Use tongs to remove the crispy strips and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Notes

Mastering Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup

Fundamentals

The beauty of Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it offers. Start with a foundation of olive oil, onions, garlic, and jalapenos. These ingredients not only form the aromatic base but also provide a hint of spice that elevates the soup. The key is to cook them until the onions are translucent and the jalapenos are soft, allowing their flavors to meld together.

Seasoning is crucial to the success of this soup. A sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables. Adding dried oregano and cumin introduces an earthy warmth, while ground chipotle pepper adds a smoky depth that is characteristic of traditional tortilla soup. The balance of these spices is what transforms a simple broth into a rich, flavorful concoction.

Preparation/Setup

Once the base is ready, introduce the fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles, along with chicken stock. This combination creates a vibrant broth that is both tangy and savory. Bringing this mixture to a boil and then reducing it to simmer allows the flavors to develop fully. During this time, the soup transforms from a collection of ingredients into a harmonious dish.

After simmering for 30 minutes, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches a creamy consistency. This step is crucial for achieving the smooth texture that makes tortilla soup so comforting. Once pureed, adjust the seasoning to taste, ensuring that every spoonful is perfectly seasoned.

Enhancing Your Tortilla Soup Experience

Technique

The technique for making Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup is straightforward but requires attention to detail. When adding the black beans, corn, and shredded beef, ensure these ingredients are well integrated to maintain the soup’s consistency. These elements not only add texture but also make the soup a hearty meal, perfect for any occasion.

The tortilla strips are a delightful addition, bringing a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy soup. Frying the strips to a golden crisp requires careful monitoring to avoid burning. These strips should be perfectly crisp to provide that signature tortilla soup experience.

Tips/Tricks

For an added layer of flavor, consider using a mix of shredded cheeses like colby jack, monterey jack, or pepper jack. Each cheese offers a unique taste, enhancing the soup’s richness. Additionally, garnishing with fresh cilantro, cubed avocado, and sliced green onions adds freshness and color, making the dish visually appealing.

For those seeking a little extra heat, sliced jalapenos can be added as a garnish. This not only intensifies the spice level but also complements the smoky undertones of the soup. Remember, the goal is to create a balance of flavors that caters to your personal preference.

Perfecting Your Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect tortilla soup requires attention to both flavor and texture. The soup should be creamy, yet not too thick, with each ingredient contributing to the overall harmony. Taste frequently during preparation to adjust the seasoning as necessary. This ensures that every spoonful is packed with flavor.

The key to a successful tortilla soup is the balance of flavors. The smoky chipotle, earthy cumin, and tangy tomatoes should work together seamlessly. If the soup tastes too acidic, a pinch of sugar can help balance it out. Conversely, if it lacks depth, a touch more cumin or chipotle might be the answer.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If the soup turns out too spicy, a dollop of sour cream can mellow the heat while adding creaminess. For a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit the shredded beef. This variation still provides a rich, satisfying dish without compromising on flavor.

Experimenting with toppings can also bring a new dimension to the soup. Try adding grilled corn, roasted red peppers, or even a squeeze of lime for brightness. Each variation offers a unique twist while maintaining the integrity of the classic tortilla soup.

Serving and Storing Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup

Serving/Presentation

Presentation plays a crucial role in enhancing the dining experience. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous helping of cheese, avocado, and cilantro. The contrast of colors not only makes the dish visually appealing but also invites guests to dive in and savor each bite.

Include a side of lime wedges for guests to adjust the acidity to their liking. The fresh zest of lime juice brightens the soup, emphasizing its vibrant flavors. This simple addition can elevate the entire meal, making it a memorable dining experience.

Pairings/Storage

Pair the soup with a simple side salad or a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. The bread can be used to soak up the delicious broth, while the salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the soup’s richness. This combination creates a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and nourishing.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock if the soup has thickened too much. The flavors continue to develop, making the soup even more delicious the next day.

Conclusion

Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup embodies the essence of comfort cooking. It is simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of aromatic spices, hearty ingredients, and vibrant toppings ensures that every bowl is a delightful experience. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of culinary creativity.

The versatility of this soup allows for endless variations, making it a staple in any kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat, it never fails to impress. Embrace the process, savor the results, and share the joy of cooking one delicious bowl at a time.