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Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
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This Vegetarian Tortilla Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious dish combining smoky chipotle, fresh vegetables, black beans, and crispy tortilla strips. Quick and easy to prepare, it offers a perfect blend of textures and zest, ideal for a comforting meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, diced

Pantry & Canned Goods

  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 to 1½ cups fresh or frozen corn
  • 4 cups vegetable broth

Spices & Flavorings

  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • Corn tortillas, cut into thin strips (quantity as desired)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: slices of avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a little oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This forms the flavorful aromatic base of the soup.
  2. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in chipotle chili powder, cumin, and oregano to coat the vegetables evenly. Then pour in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  3. Pour in Broth, Beans, and Corn: Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, then add black beans and corn. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes to develop depth and richness.
  4. Blend for Creaminess: Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup directly in the pot to create a creamy texture while keeping some chunks for heartiness. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender and puree, then combine.
  5. Finish with Lime and Seasonings: Stir in fresh lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the heat if needed. The lime brightens the soup and balances its flavors perfectly.
  6. Prepare the Tortilla Strips: Cut corn tortillas into thin strips and bake or pan-fry until crispy. These will add crunch and that classic tortilla soup charm as a topping.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and lime juice make a big difference in flavor brightness.
  • Don’t skip blending: Partial blending adds a creamy feel without drowning the soup in pureed texture.
  • Adjust spice levels: Start with less chili powder and add more gradually to suit your heat preference.
  • Crisp your tortillas well: Well-toasted tortilla strips add a wonderful texture contrast.
  • Let it simmer: Give the soup time to develop richness by simmering at least 20 minutes before blending.

Nutrition

Keywords: Vegetarian Tortilla Soup, Vegetarian Soup, Healthy Soup, Mexican Inspired, Gluten Free, Vegan Soup, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/vegetarian-tortilla-soup/