Cooking: Chicken Tortilla Soup (Recipe)

Memorial weekend is the kickoff to summer but for many of us it still feels like early Spring! We've had lots of rainy afternoons and chilly evenings with a blanket of clouds, which for me is the perfect soup weather. So I've been making it! 

I thought I'd share one of my favorites: Chicken Tortilla Soup made with cumin and lime and green chiles and avocado to give it that great, green, Mexican flavor. I love it!  It's a "Tortilla Soup," but truth be told I usually skip the tortilla strips. However, my girls love dipping chips in the broth. 

This soup is healthy and filling and simple to prepare so if you're are looking for something to bridge the summer weather this is for you!

Click through for the recipe.

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP RECIPE

1 T canola oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic,  minced
64 oz chicken broth
2 tsp oregano
3 tsp cumin
2 cans diced tomatoes (no juice)
2 7oz cans of chopped mild green chiles
2 T cilantro paste or 1/2 tsp dried coriander
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen roasted corn (I use Trader Joes)
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded (poach chicken breasts and shred, or use rotisserie chicken torn off the bone)
Freshly ground salt and pepper
1 fresh avocado diced
Juice of 1 lime
Tortilla strips or chips, fresh cilantro, Monterey Jack cheese for garnish....

Heat canola oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the diced onion and stir frequently until the onion is softened and golden in color. Add the minced garlic and saute until the garlic is softened.

Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.

Add the oregano, cumin, tomatoes, chiles, cilantro/coriander, black beans, and roasted corn. Bring the soup to a low boil again and then turn the heat down to a simmer.

Add the shredded chicken, salt and pepper. Continue simmering until the chicken is warmed through.

Before serving add the diced avocado and lime juice. Garnish the soup bowls with fresh cilantro, Monterey Jack cheese and tortilla strips or chips.

Enjoy!