Sopa de tortilla, also known as tortilla soup, is more than just a recipe; it’s a sensory trip down the busy lanes of authentic Mexican cuisine. It is in the busy streets of Mexico City that this soul-stirring treat has made a name for itself among food aficionados across the world, who value its traditional taste and comforting meal that soothes your soul. Let’s untwist (unveil) what soup of tortilla is, discussing its background, ingredients, recipe, and how it became a de facto thing to eat in Mexican food.
History of Sopa de Tortilla
The Aztec civilization based its culinary art on maize as a major ingredient. This is where the origin of “the tortilla soup” is from. Unlike their Western counterparts, who ate just wheat/corn flakes or bread, the Aztecs devoured tortillas, which were used at the same time, to create a filling soup from leftover tortillas. Through the years, Spaniards who brought new ingredients like tomatoes and spices as well as meats, added an interesting touch to this soup. In modern-day, a typical soup of tortillas represents both the old-style cuisine of pre-Hispanic Mexico and the colonial cuisine left by the Spanish Conquest, all in one coherent bowl.
Exploring the Ingredients
In the center of the soup called a tortilla, a perfect mixture of ingredients brings about this savory taste. Tortilla chips, made of corn and served as the garnish, are fried to achieve the same texture and culminate the whole dish. As the onions, garlic, and jalapeños are key for the aromatic basis, it is these ingredients that infuse the soup with savory notes and now and then create a heat sensation. The cans of diced tomatoes offer the appealing presence of a bit of tartness, while the stock adds the required nutrients in both the chicken and the vegetable.
Ground cumin powder and chili powder lift this recipe to another level, adding a magnetism variety. Chunks of the shredded chicken add meat and substance made by the cooking process ensuring that the dish will serve as a meal by itself. Ingredients like chopped avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dash of lime juice taste like summer and provide every spoonful with a fling. This soup will be the epitome of a great meal.
Preparation
It is through the art of sopa de tortilla making, wherein precision and the harmonization of flavors are key, that the soul connects with heritage and roots. From here on, we get to work on the tortilla strips; oil them up and bake to brown golden, and crunchy. As a result, onions, garlic, and jalapeños are sautéed until they begin to cast their charming fragrance that bottoms up the soup’s aromatic broth. The tomatoes are chopped and other ingredients are added to the pot. The mix of spices is harmoniously and gently blended to be cooked to perfection at a slow pace.
For the creamy lovers, the soup can well be blended and will form a velvety texture as every spoonful warms the palate. Last but not least, the soup is more flavorful due to the addition of the delicious plump chicken bags whose inclusion creates further foundation and depth to the whole soup. To make each bowl of soup eye-catching and bursting with flavor, the generous usage of garnishes completes the dish. A simple bowl is now a feast for the eyes.
Why Sopa de Tortilla Captivates Hearts
Sopa de tortilla attracts the stomach and soul for its power to warm up and make a person remember a past they had long forgotten. It is with almost every spoon dropping in the mouth, that you can hear the tune of flavors that starts from the crunch of the tortilla, followed by the warmth of spicy and ends up with the coolness of garnishes.
It goes beyond the notion of just keeping one satisfied, moving to a stage where food is appreciated as a means through which the body, and soul, are nourished. It could be enjoyed during a cold night or it could be shared with your loved ones during festive gatherings and the Sopa de tortilla is what holds this place in Mexican culture. It is represented by the very spirit of hospitality and celebration.
Try More Recipe:- Quick and Easy Vegetarian Nachos: Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
Authentic Sopa de Tortilla Recipe: A Taste of Mexico’s Culinary Heritage
Description
Sopa de tortilla, which is another name for tortilla soup, is a traditional Mexican meal that almost bursts with the taste of tomatoes, spices, and tasty crispy tortillas as well. This tasty soup is ideal for cold days, and you can rest assured that it will lap you up and take away all the coldness in you.
Ingredients
Optional Ingredients:
Instructions
-
Prepare Tortilla Strips:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush both sides of the corn tortillas with vegetable oil.
- Stack the tortillas and cut them into thin strips.
- Spread the strips on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy. Set aside.
-
Saute Aromatics:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
-
Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken or vegetable broth.
- Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Blend (Optional):
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
-
Add Chicken and Serve:
- Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through for 5 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Optionally, sprinkle with queso fresco or shredded cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Sopa de Tortilla!
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 620kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 68g105%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 19mg7%
- Sodium 789mg33%
- Potassium 1120mg32%
- Total Carbohydrate 48g16%
- Dietary Fiber 12g48%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 14g29%
- Vitamin C 34 mg
- Calcium 289 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- You can customize this soup by adding your favorite toppings like sliced green onions, black beans, or corn kernels.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño.
