Borderline Soup

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

Borderline Soup is a hearty, vegetable-filled broth with crispy tortilla chips and cheese, perfect for a comforting, flavorful meal suited to vegetable lovers and soup enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. chicken broth
  • 2 c. beef broth
  • 1 small onion
  • 4 small zucchini, sliced
  • 1 carrot, cut in strips
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 4 corn tortillas, cut in wedges

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth and beef broth.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Add chopped onion, sliced zucchini, carrot strips, and chopped tomato.
  4. Cover and simmer until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Season the soup to taste.
  6. While vegetables are simmering, fry tortillas in hot oil until crisp.
  7. Drain the fried tortilla wedges on paper towels.
  8. Place tortilla wedges in 4 soup bowls.
  9. Sprinkle cheese over the tortilla wedges.
  10. Ladle hot soup over the tortillas and cheese.
  11. Serve steaming hot with optional corn muffins.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or cumin to the broth. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce. To save time, pre-slice the vegetables ahead of time. Pair this soup with a dollop of Mary'S Salsa for an extra zing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Borderline Soup hot, garnished with cheese on top of the tortilla wedges. It pairs wonderfully with optional corn muffins for a complete meal. For a heartier option, try serving alongside South-Of-The-Border Chicken Sandwiches to complement the flavors. A fresh side salad can also enhance the meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. Fried tortilla wedges can be stored separately to maintain their crispiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Borderline Soup contains roughly 514 calories, with 11g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (71% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1076mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

514 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.1g 22% DV
Total Fat 19.3g 25% DV
Carbs 77.6g 28% DV
Fiber 10.4g 37% DV
Sugar 19.5g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1076.1mg 47% DV
Potassium 1134.3mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 2.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 638.3mcg 71% DV
Vitamin C 55.7mg 62% DV
Calcium 130mg 10% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different vegetables in this soup?

Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or any other favorite vegetables you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure they remain crisp-tender.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder into the broth. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this soup is great for meal prep! Prepare the soup ahead of time, but store the tortilla wedges separately to keep them crispy. Reheat individual servings as needed for a quick and satisfying meal throughout the week.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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