Sopa De Tortilla
Sopa de tortilla is a beloved Mexican dish that warms the soul with its rich flavors and comforting texture. This traditional soup features crispy tortillas, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth, making it a perfect starter or main dish. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a celebratory meal, sopa de tortilla brings a taste of Mexico to your table. Get ready to dive into this delicious recipe that showcases the vibrant culinary heritage of Mexico.
Ingredients
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1 avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 1.5 cups) contains approximately 300 calories, 10g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 20g protein. This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the tortilla strips and fry until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add jalapeño and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add cumin, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, topped with crispy tortillas, avocado, and cilantro.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a different texture. If you’re vegetarian, use vegetable broth and replace chicken with black beans or mushrooms for added flavor.
Serving and Pairings
Sopa de tortilla pairs beautifully with a side of fresh guacamole, Mexican rice, or a simple green salad. Enjoy it with a squeeze of lime for an added zing.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover sopa de tortilla in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed. It can be frozen, but the tortillas may become soggy upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using stale tortillas will result in a less crispy texture.
- Overcooking the vegetables can make them mushy.
- Not seasoning the broth properly may lead to bland soup.
- Skipping the frying step for tortillas can reduce flavor.
- Adding too much liquid can dilute the soup’s richness.
Helpful Tips
- Always taste the broth before serving and adjust seasoning.
- For a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Experiment with toppings like queso fresco or sour cream.
- Fresh herbs enhance the overall flavor profile.
FAQs
What is sopa de tortilla?
Sopa de tortilla is a traditional Mexican soup made with a flavorful broth, crispy tortilla strips, and various toppings like avocado and cilantro. It is known for its rich taste and comforting qualities.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make sopa de tortilla vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Add beans or mushrooms for protein.
How can I make it spicier?
To increase the spiciness, add more jalapeños or include a few dashes of hot sauce in the broth. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and toppings in advance. Assemble with crispy tortillas just before serving to maintain texture.
What are good toppings for sopa de tortilla?
Common toppings include avocado, cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Customize to your liking for added flavors.
Conclusion
Sopa de tortilla is more than just a soup; it’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. With its crispy tortilla topping and rich broth, it’s a delightful way to experience Mexican cuisine. Whether as a starter or a main dish, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Sopa De Tortilla
Ingredients
- 4 corn tortillas cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 jalapeño chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1 avocado diced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the tortilla strips and fry until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add jalapeño and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add cumin, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, topped with crispy tortillas, avocado, and cilantro.
