Mexican Tortilla Soup Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Are you ready to warm up with a bowl of delicious Mexican Tortilla Soup? This recipe is packed with fresh flavors and is super easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this soup is a sure winner. With its colorful ingredients and zesty spices, you’ll have a tasty meal in no time. Let’s dive into this simple yet vibrant recipe that will satisfy your taste buds!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Mexican Tortilla Soup

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 small onion, diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 medium carrot, diced

- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon chili powder

- 4 cups vegetable broth

- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Juice of 1 lime

- 1 cup tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)

- 1 avocado, diced

- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

- Crumbled queso fresco (optional)

The ingredients in Mexican tortilla soup create a warm and tasty dish. Olive oil gives a rich base. Onions and garlic add depth. Carrots and bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch.

The jalapeño gives a kick, but you can adjust the heat by removing the seeds. Cumin and chili powder add warmth and spice. Vegetable broth makes the soup hearty.

Diced tomatoes provide acidity. Black beans and corn add protein and texture. Lime juice brightens the flavor. Tortilla strips give a satisfying crunch.

Lastly, avocado, cilantro, and queso fresco add freshness and creaminess. Each bite combines flavors and textures for a delightful experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base of the Soup

1. Sautéing onions and garlic

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to soften and become translucent. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an extra minute. This step builds a great base of flavor.

2. Adding carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeño

Next, stir in 1 medium diced carrot, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 finely chopped jalapeño. Make sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeño if you want less heat. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they become tender. Their colors and textures will make your soup lively!

3. Incorporating spices for flavor

Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir the vegetables to coat them evenly with spices. Cook for about 1 minute until they become fragrant. This will add depth and warmth to your soup.

Combining Ingredients

1. Pouring in broth and tomatoes

Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth along with 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz), juice included. Stir everything well to combine. The broth and tomatoes bring the soup together and create a hearty base.

2. Bringing to a simmer

Raise the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step allows all the flavors to mingle. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally.

Final Touches

1. Adding black beans and corn

After your soup simmers, add 1 can of black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed, and 1 cup of corn, whether fresh or frozen. Stir to mix them in. These ingredients add protein and sweetness, making the soup filling.

2. Seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime

Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, squeeze in the juice of 1 lime. This brightens all the flavors and gives the soup a fresh finish. Enjoy your Mexican tortilla soup hot!

Tips & Tricks

Making the Soup Even Better

To enhance the flavors of your tortilla soup, add fresh herbs. Cilantro brings a bright taste. You might also try a bay leaf while cooking. This adds depth to the broth. For spice lovers, adjust the heat by adding more jalapeño. You can also use hot sauce to kick it up a notch.

Perfecting Tortilla Strips

Homemade tortilla strips are easy and tasty. Just cut tortillas into strips, coat them lightly with olive oil, and bake. Bake them at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until crisp. Store-bought strips are great for a quick meal. However, homemade gives a fresh touch.

Presentation Tips

Serve your soup in bright bowls. Add a lime wedge for a fresh squeeze. Top each bowl with crispy tortilla strips and diced avocado. Fresh cilantro adds color and flavor. If you like, sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on top. These small touches make your soup look and taste amazing!

Variations

Vegetarian Mexican Tortilla Soup

To make a vegetarian version, swap the vegetable broth for chicken broth. You can also skip any meat. This soup stays full of flavor. The spices like cumin and chili powder bring warmth. You still get a hearty meal. Use lots of veggies, like carrots, bell peppers, and corn. They add good texture and taste.

Spicy Tortilla Soup Option

If you love heat, add more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can even use spicy salsa for extra kick. This variation makes the soup vibrant and exciting. Just be careful; you can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it out. Serve it with a lime wedge to balance the spice.

Creamy Touch

For a rich twist, add cream or coconut milk. This gives the soup a smooth texture. The creaminess pairs well with the spices. Coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness that many enjoy. Just stir it in after cooking the soup. This variation feels cozy and indulgent. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you want a treat.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store your Mexican tortilla soup, let it cool to room temperature. Then, pour it into an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. This soup stays fresh for up to five days.

If you want to freeze it, use freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The soup will expand as it freezes. It can last for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to eat the soup again, gently reheat it on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. This will help retain its fresh flavor. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between.

Duration for Storage

In the fridge, Mexican tortilla soup lasts for about five days. If you freeze it, it will maintain quality for about three months. After these times, the flavor may fade. For the best taste, enjoy it within these time frames.

FAQs

What is Mexican Tortilla Soup typically made of?

Mexican Tortilla Soup blends vibrant and fresh ingredients. Key ingredients include:

- Olive oil

- Onion

- Garlic

- Carrot

- Bell pepper

- Jalapeño

- Ground cumin

- Chili powder

- Vegetable broth

- Diced tomatoes

- Black beans

- Corn

- Lime juice

- Tortilla strips

- Avocado

- Fresh cilantro

- Queso fresco (optional)

These ingredients create a rich and hearty soup. The mix of spices adds warmth and depth. Each bite is full of flavor.

Can I make Mexican Tortilla Soup in advance?

Yes, you can make Mexican Tortilla Soup ahead of time! It's easy and saves time. To do this, prepare the soup as directed. Let it cool completely before you store it.

Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it! It lasts for about two months in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy it, just reheat on the stove. Add fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro for the best taste.

What can I use instead of black beans?

If you don't have black beans, don't worry! You can use other beans or proteins. Here are some great options:

- Pinto beans

- Kidney beans

- Chickpeas

- Lentils

You can also add shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein. These alternatives work well in this soup. They keep the dish hearty and delicious.

In this post, we covered the key ingredients for making Mexican Tortilla Soup, from the basics to tasty variations. You learned how to prepare and combine these ingredients step-by-step. I shared tips to enhance flavors and how to store leftovers properly.

Mexican Tortilla Soup is versatile and easy to make. With a few adjustments, you can create your perfect bowl of joy. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and toppings to make it your own!