Spicy Tortilla Soup
A flavorful and spicy tortilla soup featuring tomato, cumin, and chili powder, perfect for cozy gatherings and fans of bold, warming flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the knife blade in the food processor bowl; add chopped onion and process until smooth.
- Measure 1/2 cup of the onion puree and set aside; reserve any remaining puree for other uses.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped corn tortillas and cook until crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato puree, chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, bay leaf, and ground red pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the pot. If you want to make the soup a bit milder, reduce the amount of chili powder or ground red pepper. You can also substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. To add protein, shredded chicken can be included, especially from recipes like Chiquita Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy tortilla soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and crispy tortilla strips for added texture. It pairs beautifully with Black Bean Burritos or can be enjoyed alongside a light salad for a complete meal. For extra heat, provide lime wedges and sliced jalapeños on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Tortilla Soup contains roughly 933 calories, with 13g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (157% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 522mg per serving (23% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit any meat. You can also add beans or additional vegetables for extra heartiness.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of chili powder and ground red pepper or add more ingredients like sour cream or avocado, which can help mellow the heat.
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).