Easy Spicy Tortilla Soup Recipe: A Flavorful Journey from Scratch
Spicy tortilla soup is a vibrant and hearty dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. With roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, this soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that invites warmth and comfort to the table. The combination of bold flavors from grilled veggies, aromatic spices, and crispy tortilla strips creates an unforgettable taste sensation that many have come to love. Whether you’re looking for a homemade spicy tortilla soup from scratch or a quick weeknight meal that’s easily vegan, this recipe is tailored just for you!
Keywords: easy Spicy tortilla soup recipe, homemade Spicy tortilla soup from scratch, vegan Spicy tortilla soup
Recipe Overview
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 30 minutes
– Total Time: 45 minutes
– Serving Size: Serves 4-6
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (or your choice of oil for sautéing)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 jalapeño, chopped (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)
– 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegan)
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
– 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
– Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings
– 4-6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Lime wedges for serving
– Sour cream or vegan alternative (optional)
– Shredded cheese or vegan cheese (optional)
Optional Ingredient Swaps
– Quinoa or couscous for an added texture instead of black beans.
– Use almond milk instead of whole milk if adding creaminess (vegan-friendly).
– Zucchini or mushrooms can replace the bell pepper.
Equipment List
– Large pot or Dutch oven
– Wooden spoon or spatula
– Cutting board and chef’s knife
– Ladle for serving
– Skillet for frying tortilla strips
– Paper towels for draining excess oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Chop the onion, garlic, and jalapeño, and set them aside. Dice the bell pepper and avocado. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step lays the foundation for amazing flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Heat: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. The aromatic blend will envelop your kitchen, giving you a hint of the deliciousness to come.
4. Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the diced bell pepper and corn to the pot, stirring to combine. Sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and meld together.
5. Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, stirring until the spices coat the vegetables evenly. Cooking spices in oil releases their essential oils, enhancing the flavors of your soup.
6. Add Liquids: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with juices. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer—this allows the flavors to deepen and develop over about 10 minutes.
7. Stir in Beans: Incorporate the rinsed black beans into the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This gives the beans time to warm through and absorb the surrounding flavor.
8. Prepare Tortilla Strips: While the soup simmers, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once hot, fry the tortilla strips in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot spicy tortilla soup into bowls, generously topping each with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and shredded cheese if desired. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over the top, delivering a burst of freshness.
10. Explore Aromatic Dimensions: Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful presentation before diving in—each spoonful presents a harmony of crispy, creamy, and crunchy textures, with the bold flavors of spices warming your palate.
Special Notes
– Storing Leftovers: Allow the soup to cool entirely before transferring it to an airtight container. This breastplate soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
– Troubleshooting Tips: If the soup is too thick, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to loosen it. For a creamier texture, consider blending half of the soup in a blender before returning it to the pot.
Variations and Customizations
– Gluten-Free: Ensure you’re using gluten-free tortillas, or replace them with crunchy rice chips for a gluten-free option.
– Vegan Version: Stick to vegetable broth and skip the sour cream or cheese, opting for cashew cream instead for creaminess.
– Add Other Proteins: Feel free to incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or any preferred protein for a heartier dish.
– Increase Heat Levels: For those who enjoy a spicier kick, you can add serrano peppers along with jalapeños or stir in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
– Calories: 310
– Protein: 12g
– Fat: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fiber: 10g
Engaging Visual Details
As you create your Spicy tortilla soup, imagine the inviting aroma filling your kitchen—the melding of spices and sautéed vegetables creating a bowl full of color and warmth. The vibrant hue of the fresh vegetables dances against the golden tortilla strips, which provide a pleasing crunch as you take each bite. While serving, the cilantro adds a fresh green touch, and the bright lime wedges serve as a zestful finishing touch.
Conclusion
Your journey to creating a delicious and satisfying Spicy Tortilla Soup comes together beautifully in this recipe. The layers of flavor and textures promise to delight not only your palate but also anyone you share it with. Try this easy Spicy tortilla soup recipe today, and you won’t regret it!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment below sharing your thoughts or variations. Don’t forget to share your delicious version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish for a chance to be featured! Happy cooking!
