Sara'S Easy Tortilla Soup
A comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired tortilla soup with tomatoes, cilantro, and cheese, perfect for a cozy meal that suits all soup lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a blender, combine undrained tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, cilantro, and sugar. Blend until chunky.
- Pour the vegetable mixture into a large pot and add chicken broth.
- Simmer the soup for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve topped with cubed Monterey cheese, diced avocados, and fried corn tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider roasting the tomatoes and onions before blending. If you're short on time, canned diced tomatoes can be a convenient substitute. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can be swapped based on personal preference. To enhance the flavor, a splash of lime juice or a pinch of cumin can be added. This recipe is also versatile; you can include beans or corn for more texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, topped with cubed Monterey cheese, diced avocados, and crispy fried corn tortilla chips for crunch. It pairs beautifully with Black Bean And Lime Dip for a fuller meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain the soup's consistency, and warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Tortilla soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just be careful not to freeze the toppings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sara'S Easy Tortilla Soup contains roughly 1258 calories, with 90g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (180% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2407mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).
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 make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian option. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition and flavor. This modification keeps the essence of the soup while making it suitable for vegetarians.
What can I use instead of Monterey cheese?
If Monterey cheese isn't available, you can easily substitute it with cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile. Both options melt well and enhance the soup's creaminess. For a dairy-free alternative, try using a cashew cheese or a vegan cheese substitute that fits your dietary needs.
How can I spice up the soup?
To add heat, consider incorporating jalapeños or chili powder into the soup. You can also serve it with hot sauce or salsa on the side for those who enjoy a spicier kick. Additionally, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor without overpowering the dish.
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).