30-Minutes Tortilla Soup Recipe (Mexican-Inspired Dish)

Welcome to our culinary adventure, where we dive deep into the flavors of Mexico with an extraordinary recipe: Tortilla Soup. This traditional dish, born in the heartland of Mexican cuisine, encapsulates the essence of vibrant flavors and comforting warmth.

Picture yourself savoring each spoonful of this rich and aromatic broth infused with a medley of spices and the smoky allure of roasted tomatoes.

As you take your first bite, the velvety texture of the soup dances on your palate, while tender shreds of chicken, plump avocado slices, and crispy tortilla strips create a symphony of textures.

But this is no ordinary soup; it is a bowl of nostalgia inspired by generations of culinary traditions passed down through time.

Our recipe combines authentic techniques with a modern twist, ensuring every ingredient harmoniously blends to create a sublime dining experience.

What Is Tortilla Soup Recipe?

Tortilla soup is a flavorful and comforting Mexican dish. It typically consists of a rich and savory tomato-based broth seasoned with spices like cumin and chili powder. 

The soup is often made with shredded chicken and crispy tortilla strips and garnished with fresh toppings such as avocado, cheese, and cilantro. 

The combination of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying and delicious meal. Tortilla soup is a popular choice for those seeking a taste of Mexico in every spoonful, whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a hearty dinner.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

• Vegetarian/Vegan Version Skip the meat and create a hearty vegetarian or vegan tortilla soup. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn, and incorporate protein-rich ingredients like black beans, chickpeas, or tofu.
• Seafood Delight Instead of chicken, go for a seafood-inspired tortilla soup. Use shrimp, fish, or a combination of seafood to create a delicious and flavorful twist on the traditional recipe. Add a splash of lime juice and chopped cilantro to enhance the seafood flavors.
• Roasted Veggies Elevate the flavor profile by roasting some vegetables before adding them to the soup. Roasted tomatoes, peppers, and onions can bring a smoky and caramelized touch to the dish.
• Spicy Kick If you love heat, experiment with adding different types of chili peppers to the soup. The spice level can be adjusted to your preference, whether it’s jalapeños, serranos, or even a touch of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• Grain Additions Add an extra element of heartiness by incorporating grains like quinoa, rice, or barley into the soup. They can provide additional texture and substance.

Variations, Add-Ons,And Toppings

Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add protein-rich ingredients like black beans, tofu, or tempeh as a substitute.
• Seafood Twist: Replace the chicken with shrimp, fish, or a combination of seafood to create a seafood-inspired tortilla soup. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the seafood is cooked properly.
• Spicy Flavor Burst: Increase the heat by adding additional chili peppers, such as serranos or habaneros, for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, or corn before adding them to the soup for a smoky and caramelized flavor.

Add-Ons

• Corn: Add fresh or frozen corn kernels to the soup for extra sweetness and texture.
• Rice or Quinoa: Include cooked rice or quinoa to make the soup heartier and more filling.
• Diced Tomatoes: Add a can of diced tomatoes along with the broth for a chunkier texture and additional tomato flavor.
• Canned Beans: Include a can of rinsed and drained black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans for added protein and fiber.

Toppings

• Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: Dollop a spoonful of sour cream or Mexican crema on top of the soup to add creaminess and tang.
• Sliced Radishes: Thinly slice radishes and place them on top of the soup for a refreshing crunch and a touch of peppery flavor.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who love extra spice, garnish with sliced jalapeños to add a fiery kick.
• Tortilla Strips: Besides the crispy strips used in the recipe, consider adding store-bought tortilla chips or strips for an extra crunchy element.
• Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Top the soup with a spoonful of homemade or store-bought salsa or pico de gallo for added freshness and flavor.

Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker Method

• Follow the recipe up to step 3, where you sauté the onion, chile, and garlic. Instead of using a pot, you can do this step directly in a skillet or sauté pan on the stovetop.
• Once the onion, chile, and garlic are sautéed, transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the Double-Cooked Mexican Caldo, tomato paste, sea salt, and shredded cooked chicken to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• While the soup is cooking, prepare the crispy tortilla strips and the final garnishes as described in the original recipe.
• When cooking is complete, use an immersion blender or transfer a portion of the soup to a countertop blender to puree until smooth. Return the blended soup to the slow cooker and stir well.
• Adjust the seasoning if needed, and keep the soup warm until ready to serve.
• Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each bowl with crispy tortilla strips, chopped avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Instant Pot Method

• Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the lard. Add the onion, chile, garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the chiles are slightly softened.
• Cancel the sauté mode, then add the Double-Cooked Mexican Caldo, tomato paste, sea salt, and shredded cooked chicken to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.
• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the manual/pressure cook function and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
• Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
• While the soup is cooking, prepare the crispy tortilla strips and the final garnishes as described in the original recipe.

Can I Use Store Broth Or Should I Make My Own?

• Store-bought broth, whether it’s chicken, vegetable, or beef, provides convenience and saves time in the preparation process. There are various brands and types available, including low-sodium or organic options. It’s important to choose a high-quality broth that complements the flavors of the soup.
• Making your own broth gives you more control over the flavors and ingredients used. Homemade broth can add a depth of flavor and richness to the soup. You can simmer and create your broth with chicken bones, vegetables, herbs and spices. This option requires additional time and preparation, as you would need to plan ahead to make the broth before starting the soup recipe.

How To Serve?

• Serve Hot: Tortilla soup is best enjoyed hot, so make sure to serve it immediately after cooking or reheating. Heat the bowls before serving to keep the soup warmer for longer.
• Garnish with Fresh Toppings: Just before serving, add the final touches of garnishes to each bowl. Sprinkle the crispy tortilla strips or chips, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and chopped fresh cilantro on top of the soup. This adds visual appeal, texture, and freshness to the dish.
• Squeeze Lime Juice: Provide lime wedges or quarters on the side, allowing each person to squeeze lime juice into their soup according to their taste preferences. The citrusy tang of lime adds a vibrant flavor that complements the soup well.
• Consider Individual Toppings: If serving a larger group or family style, consider providing individual bowls of toppings. This allows guests to customize their soup with their preferred amount of garnishes, creating a more personalized experience.
• Serve with Warm Tortillas or Bread: Offer warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side as accompaniments. These can be used for dipping or enjoyed alongside the soup, adding a comforting element to the meal.
• Pair with a Side Salad: For a more complete meal, consider serving a side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a light dressing. The crispness and freshness of the salad can balance the flavors and textures of the soup.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Mexican Rice: Serve the tortilla soup alongside a flavorful Mexican rice. The rice can be seasoned with spices like cumin, garlic, and tomato sauce to enhance the overall meal.
• Cornbread: Freshly baked cornbread is a classic side that complements the flavors of tortilla soup. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture provides a nice contrast to the soup’s savory profile.
• Guacamole and Chips: Offer a bowl of homemade guacamole with a side of tortilla chips for dipping. The creamy and rich guacamole pairs well with the soup and adds a fresh and tangy element.
• Black Bean Salad: Prepare a refreshing black bean salad with ingredients like black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, red onions, cilantro, and a lime-based dressing. The salad’s vibrant flavors and textures complement the soup’s heartiness.
• Grilled Quesadillas: Prepare delicious and cheesy grilled quesadillas filled with ingredients like Monterey Jack cheese, sautéed vegetables, or cooked chicken. The quesadillas can be served as a side dish or even enjoyed by dipping them into the soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Refrigeration: Store leftover tortilla soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Tortilla soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make Ahead: Tortilla soup can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. The flavors often deepen after sitting overnight, making it a great option for meal prep.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

• Tortilla Soup Bowls: Enjoy the leftover tortilla soup as is by reheating it and serving it in bread bowls made from hollowed-out crusty bread. This creates a fun and flavorful meal.
• Tortilla Casserole: Layer the leftover tortilla soup with tortilla chips or torn corn tortillas in a baking dish. Top it with shredded cheese and bake until it is melted and bubbly. This creates a delicious tortilla casserole.
• Tortilla Soup Nachos: Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet, then ladle the leftover soup over the chips. Top it with shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and any other desired toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted, and serve the tortilla soup nachos as a tasty snack or appetizer.
• Soup Remix: Use the leftover tortilla soup as a base for a new soup creation. Add additional ingredients like cooked beans, diced vegetables, or leftover cooked meat to give it a different flavor and texture. Simmer the mixture until heated through, and you have a revamped soup ready to enjoy.
• Freezing for Future Meals: If you have a larger quantity of leftover soup, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze it for later use. It can be thawed and reheated for quick and convenient meals in the future.

TIPS

• Add Some Veggies: Enhance the soup’s nutritional value by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chipotle powder to add a smoky or spicy kick to your soup.
• Garnish with Freshness: Top each bowl with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
• Cheesy Finish: Finish the soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and allow it to melt before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
• Make it Meaty: Add shredded cooked chicken or beef for a heartier version of the soup.
• Avocado Cream: Blend avocado with a bit of lime juice and sour cream for a creamy avocado topping that adds richness and flavor.
• Tortilla Strip Garnish: Fry thin strips of tortillas until crispy and use them as a crunchy garnish on top of the soup.

Nutrition Table