West Texas Tortilla Soup
West Texas Tortilla Soup features bold flavors of cumin, cilantro, and cheese, offering a hearty, spicy, and comforting dish perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook garlic in butter in a large saucepan for 2 minutes.
- Add cumin; cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, chopped stewed tomatoes, and Picante sauce; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.
- Place 1/4 cup of cheese in the bottom of each of 8 soup bowls.
- Ladle 1 cup of soup over the cheese in each bowl.
- Top with tortilla strips before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the margarine. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute olive oil for margarine. Fresh tomatoes can also be used instead of canned for a fresher taste. If you want to spice things up, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This soup is versatile, making it a great base for other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This West Texas Tortilla Soup is best served hot, garnished with extra cilantro and cheese. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Salad Tostados for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside a fresh side salad or some warm cornbread. You can also offer sliced avocados or lime wedges for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tortilla soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much. Avoid microwaving the cheese, as it can become rubbery; instead, add it fresh when serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of West Texas Tortilla Soup contains roughly 1086 calories, with 54g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (631% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1478mg per serving (64% 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?
Yes, you can easily make this tortilla soup vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and omitting any meat. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for additional texture and flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the broth. You can also use spicy Picante Sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup while it simmers for an extra kick.
Can I freeze leftover tortilla soup?
Yes, you can freeze tortilla soup! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove, adding fresh tortilla strips and cheese just before serving.
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).