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A warming blend of fresh vegetables, smoky salsa verde, and spicy red salsa creates this soul-satisfying tortilla soup that's both brothy and hearty. Each spoonful delivers tender potatoes, crisp carrots, and aromatic seasonings, while the customizable toppings turn every bowl into a personal masterpiece of textures and flavors.
After my sister-in-law described her ideal tortilla soup, I spent weeks perfecting this recipe. What started as skepticism turned into pure joy as the aroma of sautéed vegetables and Mexican spices filled my kitchen. Now it's become our family's most requested soup.
Essential Ingredients
- Chunky red salsa: Choose a high-quality brand with visible vegetables for best texture and flavor
- Salsa verde: Provides smokiness and tanginess that balances the red salsa perfectly
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy nature helps thicken the broth slightly while staying tender
- Fresh vegetables: Use crisp carrots, bright celery, and firm onions for the best results
- Quality broth: The foundation of any good soup - use low sodium to control saltiness
Instructions Steps
- 1. Create the Aromatic Base
- Begin by melting butter in a heavy Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Introduce carrots and celery, cooking until they begin to tender but retain some firmness. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
- 2. Build the Flavor Foundation
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Let the spices toast slightly to release their essential oils and deepen their flavors. This brief cooking of the spices is crucial for developing the soup's rich taste.
- 3. Develop the Broth
- Pour in the broth and add cubed potatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, adjusting heat as needed to maintain a steady bubble without boiling. Cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.
- 4. Layer in the Salsas
- Add both red salsa and salsa verde, stirring gently to combine. These two salsas create the soup's signature flavor profile. If using shredded chicken, fold it in now. Allow everything to heat through while flavors meld.
- 5. Final Assembly
- Just before serving, stir in fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings, remembering that toppings will add additional salt and flavor.
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Growing up, tortilla soup was always my comfort food, but it wasn't until I started experimenting with different salsas that I discovered this game-changing combination. The first time I served it to my family, they couldn't stop adding "just one more" ladleful to their bowls.
Perfect Your Toppings
Think of the toppings as an essential part of the recipe, not just garnishes. I create a topping station with melty Mexican cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, tangy lime wedges, and plenty of crispy tortilla chips. For extra indulgence, add a dollop of Mexican crema or yogurt.
Make-Ahead Magic
The soup base actually improves overnight as flavors meld. Store toppings separately and reheat the soup gently when ready to serve. For best results, add fresh toppings just before eating to maintain their texture and freshness.
Tortilla Chip Tips
While store-bought chips work perfectly well, homemade tortilla strips take this soup to the next level. Cut corn tortillas into thin strips, toss with olive oil and lime zest, then bake until crispy. The fresh lime zest adds an extra layer of flavor you won't get from packaged chips.
Customization Guide
Feel free to adjust the heat level by choosing mild or spicy salsas. For a heartier version, add black beans or corn. Vegetarians can skip the chicken - the vegetables and potatoes make it plenty satisfying.
What started as a simple request from my sister-in-law has become one of my most treasured recipes. There's something magical about watching people customize their bowls, piling on toppings and breaking tortilla chips over the steaming broth. It's more than just soup - it's an interactive experience that brings people together, creating moments of joy one bowl at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It's still hearty and filling with all the vegetables.
- → What type of salsa should I use?
- Use your favorite chunky red salsa and salsa verde. The combination of both gives the soup its unique flavor profile.
- → Can I make this soup less spicy?
- Absolutely! Adjust the amount of hot sauce or use mild salsas. You can always add more heat with hot sauce at the table.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, but freeze it without the toppings. Add fresh toppings when reheating and serving.
- → What can I use instead of yogurt?
- Sour cream works great as an alternative to yogurt for topping the soup.