Chicken Tortilla Soup

As with many recipes, this soup comes in many variations in spiciness and thickness of broth. This version is almost like a warm Mexican salad floating in an aromatic broth. Homemade chicken stock is a must for this recipe but store bought broth can be substituted and a vegetarian option is surely doable but that would require a bit more tweeking of the recipe.

Traditionally, the corn tortillas are fried but I prefer to toast it on an open flame on the stove top or grill.

Chicken Tortilla Recipe:

6 cups chicken stock

cilantro stems from one bunch

jalapenos split to 1/2 lengthwise or more

4 toasted corn tortillas

Place all the ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil and simmer gently for 1/2 hour.

Strain the broth and season with salt and pepper.

Return the broth to the pot and add the following and heat through:

2 cups large diced tomatoes

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

2-3 avocados large diced

Just before serving, add the following into each bowl:

6 toasted corn tortillas, cut into strips

fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Optional ingredients:

cheese crumbled on top

black beans for a heartier soup