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comforting family tortilla soup

Heartwarming Tortilla Soup

This comforting tortilla soup features a rich tomato and chicken broth base layered with aromatic vegetables and topped with crispy tortilla chips, creamy avocado, and melted cheese. Perfect for chilly evenings yet light enough for year-round enjoyment, this versatile soup delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every spoonful.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 1 pound ripe tomatoes cored, seeded and coarsely chopped (about 2 cups), or 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine
  • 1 cup sour cream for topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
  • 2 cups tortilla chips broken into bite-size pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion coarsely chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado peeled and finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon marjoram
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over moderate heat, then reduce to moderately low.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing gently until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped tomatoes, increase heat to moderate, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken stock or broth, then season with marjoram and hot red pepper sauce.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer uncovered for 1 minute to combine all flavors.
  6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with broken tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Notes

For a heartier version, add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken to the soup before serving. This soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days - the flavors actually improve over time! For a vegetarian alternative, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock and add a can of rinsed black beans for protein.
The toppings are customizable based on preference - try adding chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. For homemade tortilla chips, cut corn tortillas into strips, toss with a little oil, and bake at 375°F until crisp.