Tortilla Soup

As the fall season arrives, there's nothing quite like a warm and hearty bowl of Tortilla Soup to comfort your soul. Another bonus is that it can be prepared as a vegetarian or chicken dish depending on your preferences. Plus, we have a fantastic recipe hack that simplifies the process and enhances the flavor by using our special salsa. Get ready to fall in love with this family-favorite meal!

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE BASE:

• 1/2 to 1 cup of OC Salsa Rica Salsa (Mild, Hot, Organic, or Taquera)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (for vegetarians, use vegetable broth)

• Salt and pepper to taste

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup cooked chicken (optional, for non-vegetarian version)

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup frozen corn kernels

• Tortilla strips (for garnish)

• Shredded cheese (for garnish)

• Sour cream or crema (for garnish)

• Avocado slices (for garnish)

PREPARATION:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Create the Flavorful Base: Instead of using tomatoes and peppers, add 1/2 to 1 cup of OC Salsa Rica Salsa to the sautéed aromatics. This salsa not only adds incredible flavor but also simplifies the recipe by replacing three individual ingredients. Stir in the salsa and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.

3. Blend Until Creamy: Carefully transfer the cooked vegetable and salsa mixture into a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This step ensures that the soup has a rich and velvety texture.

4. Add the Final Ingredients: Return the blended mixture to the soup pot. If you're preparing the chicken version, add the cooked chicken at this point. Then, stir in the drained black beans and frozen corn kernels. Let the soup simmer until these ingredients are heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

5. Season to Perfection: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.

6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot Tortilla Soup into bowls. Top each serving with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or crema, and a few slices of creamy avocado.

This Tortilla Soup recipe is a fall winner that's sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Thanks to our special salsa hack, you can enjoy the rich, zesty flavors of this soup without the hassle of chopping tomatoes and peppers. Whether you opt for the vegetarian or chicken version, it's a comforting bowl of goodness that the whole family will adore. So, whip up a batch, garnish to your heart's content, and savor every spoonful of this delicious winter comfort food. Enjoy!