Usually, I'm not a lover of soup. In fact, with the exception of ramen, I don't like soup. At all. That is until this past Christmas. We were back down in Texas visiting family, and on Christmas Eve, my soup world was turned upside down with a single bowl of my mother-in-law's tortilla soup.
It was really, really good. Like, give me another bowl. I want more. I'm full, but I want that flavor in my mouth again. It was warming, comforting, and just what I didn't even know I needed.
I had to have the recipe! So, I copied it down, and was so excited to bring this delicious dish back to Baltimore so we can have a taste of Texas, and a taste of family, whenever we want. I did change the recipe a bit, as I tend to do, to make it fit our taste, but it's absolutely divine.
On a day like today, the 7th snow day of the school year, when the sky is grey, rain and snow is wintery mixing to create a miserable icy slush, and frankly, my spirits aren't so high, a hot bowl of this is just the right medicine to turn it all around.
The Best Tortilla Soup Ever
This recipe is simple, and is made even more simple in that it's a one-pot wonder. Hurrah for less clean-up! The recipe makes enough for a small army, but if you're like me, and love yourself some delicious leftovers from a soup that only gets better with time, then you're set. You can also freeze it and thaw for a rainy day. It's the best hug you'll ever get from a bowl.
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 fresh jalapeño, half seeded, half with seeds, chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, cleaned and chopped
- 6 ribs of celery, sliced and chopped
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken, chopped 1" cubes
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 x 14 oz can of Rotel tomatoes
- 4 x 10.5 oz containers of chicken broth
- the juice of 3 limes
- 1/3 cup of chopped, fresh cilantro
Just a few simple steps stand between you and the best dang bowl of tortilla soup you've ever had. So if you're near me and you are hearing the freezing rain pounding on your windows, this soup will warm you right up, and leave you feeling like you just had the best warm hug straight from a bowl.
But if you're down in Texas where it's 80*F outside, this soup is still perfect, because it's hearty and the acid from the limes gives it a refreshing bite.
What's your favorite comfort food?