Tortilla Soup or Aztec Soup
Warm Up with Authentic Tortilla Soup (Sopa Azteca)
Looking for a comforting and flavorful soup to brighten up your day? Look no further than Tortilla Soup, also known as Sopa Azteca! This vibrant Mexican classic is packed with rich flavors, satisfying textures, and a beautiful presentation. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home and is perfect as a starter, a light lunch, or even a complete meal.
This isn’t just any tortilla soup; we’re bringing you a recipe that captures the true essence of Sopa Azteca. We’ll guide you through creating a deeply flavorful broth, perfectly crisped tortilla strips, and a delightful array of garnishes that will elevate your soup to the next level.
What makes Sopa Azteca special?
Unlike cream-based tortilla soups, Sopa Azteca is traditionally a clear broth-based soup. The magic lies in the combination of the flavorful broth, the crispy tortillas, and the fresh, vibrant garnishes. It’s a celebration of Mexican flavors and textures!
Tips for the Best Tortilla Soup:
- Tortilla Strips: Don’t skimp on frying the tortillas! They should be golden and crispy, providing a delightful crunch with every spoonful. Avoid over-browning them.
- Broth is Key: Use a good quality chicken broth. Homemade is best, but a store-bought broth will work in a pinch.
- Garnish Generously: The garnishes are what truly make this soup shine. Don’t be afraid to pile on the avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and lime wedges!
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your liking. If you prefer a milder soup, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Tortilla Soup hot with a side of warm tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping. A dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream is also a delicious addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Q: Can I make the soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the soup base a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. Fry the tortilla strips just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Q: What is Queso Fresco?
A: Queso Fresco is a fresh, crumbly Mexican cheese with a mild, slightly salty flavor. It’s perfect for garnishing soups and salads. You can find it at most grocery stores with a Mexican food section.
Q: Can I use corn or flour tortillas?
A: Traditionally, corn tortillas are used for Sopa Azteca. They hold their shape better when fried and have a more authentic flavor.
Tortilla Soup (Sopa Azteca)
Ingredients
- 6 count corn tortillas
- 1 liter chicken broth
- 3 count tomatoes
- 1 count onion finely chopped
- 2 count garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 count jalapeño optional, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 count avocado diced
- to taste fresh cheese queso fresco, crumbled
- to taste fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 count lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- Cut the tortillas into strips and fry them in a pan with hot oil. Be careful not to brown too much. Remove excess oil with absorbent paper and reserve.
- In a saucepan, heat a little olive oil and sauté the onion, the garlic cloves and the jalapeño for a few minutes, all finely chopped.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook about 10 minutes, until soft.
- Add the chicken broth and season to taste. Let cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.
- Serve the soup hot and garnish with the fried tortilla strips, diced avocado, cut queso fresco, chopped fresh cilantro and a few wedges of lime.
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