soup

Tortilla Soup

Name: Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: soup
Ingredients: 3 roma tomatoes, quartered; 1 onions, quartered; 2 tsp garlic cloves (about 12–16 cloves); 190 ml (¾ cup) guajillo chile puree; ¼ tsp cumin seeds; 1½ L (6¼ cups) water; 3 large corn tortillas, quartered; Salt and black pepper to taste; Canola oil for sautéing

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Prep

15 minutes

Cook

1 hour 20 minutes

Total

1 hr 35 min

Serves

4 servings

Smoky, tomato-red, and thick from blended tortillas, this soup has a lot more body than a simple broth. The tortillas go in raw and simmer until they break down completely, thickening the base from the inside.

Ingredients

3 roma tomatoes, quartered
1 onions, quartered
2 tsp garlic cloves (about 12–16 cloves)
190 ml (¾ cup) guajillo chile puree
¼ tsp cumin seeds
1½ L (6¼ cups) water
3 large corn tortillas, quartered
Salt and black pepper to taste
Canola oil for sautéing

Instructions

1
Heat a splash of canola oil in a large stock pot over medium heat.
2
Add the onions, garlic, and cumin seeds. Cook, stirring, until golden brown.
3
Add the tomatoes and continue cooking, stirring often, for 15 minutes.
4
Add the water, guajillo chile puree, and quartered tortillas.
5
Bring to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer.
6
Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the tortillas have broken down completely.
7
Blend until smooth, working in batches.
8
Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Cook's Note

Blend the soup in batches and don't fill the blender more than halfway with hot liquid, it expands when it spins and the lid can blow off. Hold the lid down with a folded towel and start on low speed.

Best Served With

Corn tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, lime, and shredded chicken or queso fresco.

Why This Recipe Works

Corn tortillas are mostly starch, and as they simmer they dissolve into the broth and thicken it. The guajillo puree carries both color and a mild chile warmth that distributes evenly through the soup as it reduces.

Make It Yours

Top each bowl with sliced avocado, fried tortilla strips, crumbled queso fresco, and sour cream.
Add a chipotle pepper or two to the pot for more smoke.

Leftover Strategy

Thickens significantly as it cools, thin with water or stock when reheating. Keeps 3–4 days refrigerated.

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Pairing

Cold Mexican lager, agua fresca, or a light citrusy white wine.