Ancho Chile Chicken Tortilla Soup

🍲 Ancho Chile Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delicious and flavorful Mexican soup known for its rich, spicy, and smoky flavors. This soup is a delightful combination of various ingredients and spices, making it a favorite in Mexican cuisine.

📜 History:
The origins of Ancho Chile Chicken Tortilla Soup can be traced back to Mexican cuisine, which has a rich history of blending indigenous ingredients with European influences. While there isn’t a specific historical account of the soup’s creation, it’s a modern variation of traditional Mexican soups. Ancho chiles, a key ingredient, are dried poblano peppers, which have been used in Mexican cooking for centuries.

🧊 Components:
The components of Ancho Chile Chicken Tortilla Soup typically include:

1. Ancho Chiles: Dried poblano peppers, which give the soup its smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
2. Chicken: Often shredded or diced, it adds protein to the soup.
3. Broth: Usually chicken broth or vegetable broth serves as the base.
4. Tomatoes: Either fresh or canned, they provide acidity and depth of flavor.
5. Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are sautéed to build the soup’s base.
6. Spices: Cumin, coriander, oregano, and sometimes paprika for added flavor.
7. Toppings: Common toppings include tortilla strips or chips, avocado, shredded cheese, lime wedges, and cilantro.

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare Ancho Chile Chicken Tortilla Soup:

Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2-3 dried ancho chiles
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for sautéing
• Toppings of your choice (tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, lime, cilantro)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ancho Chiles:

   • Remove the stems and seeds from the ancho chiles.
   • Toast them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until they become fragrant.
   • Soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes until they soften.
   • Blend them with a bit of water to make a smooth paste.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
   • In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat.
   • Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink. Remove it from the pot and shred it.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

   • In the same pot, add more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion and garlic until they become translucent.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the ancho chile paste, diced tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, and dried oregano to the pot. Cook for a few minutes.

5. Add Broth and Chicken:

   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the shredded chicken.
   • Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
   • Top it with your choice of toppings, like tortilla strips, avocado slices, shredded cheese, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.

Now you have a steaming bowl of Ancho Chile Chicken Tortilla Soup ready to enjoy! 🍲😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Ancho Chile Chicken Tortilla Soup:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):

• Calories: 250-300 calories
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 5-7 grams
• Sugars: 3-5 grams
• Fat: 10-12 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
• Cholesterol: 40-50 milligrams
• Sodium: 800-1000 milligrams

Health Information:

1. Protein: This soup is a good source of protein due to the chicken, which helps with muscle repair and growth.

2. Fiber: The soup contains fiber from ingredients like tomatoes, ancho chiles, and vegetables. Fiber aids digestion and helps you feel full.

3. Low in Saturated Fat: It is relatively low in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.

4. Vitamins and Minerals: The soup is likely to contain essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from tomatoes and various B vitamins from chicken and spices.

5. Antioxidants: Ancho chiles are a source of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.

6. Sodium: Be cautious about sodium content, as canned tomatoes and broth can contribute to higher sodium levels. Consider using low-sodium broth or canned tomatoes if you’re watching your sodium intake.

7. Customization: You can make this soup even healthier by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added nutrients and fiber.

Remember that the actual nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used in your recipe. Adjusting the recipe to your dietary preferences and requirements can help make it even more nutritious. Enjoy your Ancho Chile Chicken Tortilla Soup in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 🍲🥦🍗