Tortilla Soup with Smoked Turkey
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Category: One-Dish Meal
Servings: 6
Keywords: Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, Kid-Friendly, Brunch, < 60 Mins
Description:
Dive into a hearty bowl of Tortilla Soup with Smoked Turkey, where the vibrant flavors are harmoniously blended into a comforting dish. The tortillas in this recipe are crisped up dry to provide a delightful crunch, but for a richer taste, you might opt to spray them lightly with olive oil before crisping—although this adds extra calories, it also enhances the flavor. This quick and easy soup is a perfect one-dish meal that your family will love, making it ideal for a quick brunch or a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onions
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes
- 2 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dry crushed red pepper
- 6 cups canned vegetable broth
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Rind of 1 lemon, finely grated
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions:
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Heat the Oil: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to warm up, making sure it coats the bottom of the pot evenly.
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Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pot. Sauté them until they become tender and translucent, which should take about 4 minutes. The aroma of the onions cooking will be enticing.
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Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This will infuse the oil with a rich, garlicky flavor that forms the base of your soup.
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Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Next, add the Italian plum tomatoes, dried oregano, ground cumin, and dry crushed red pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the spices are well distributed. Let the mixture simmer, stirring often, for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
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Blend the Mixture: Carefully transfer the tomato mixture to a food processor or blender. Puree the mixture until smooth. This step will create a rich and creamy base for your soup. Set the puree aside.
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Prepare the Broth: Pour the vegetable broth into the Dutch oven. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the broth to become aromatic and flavorful.
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Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, red and yellow bell peppers, and celery to the simmering broth. Cook the vegetables until they are tender, which should take about 6 minutes.
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Add Zucchini: Stir in the diced zucchini and continue to cook for another 3 minutes, just until the zucchini is tender.
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Combine Tomato Mixture and Turkey: Add the previously pureed tomato mixture and the smoked turkey to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
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Preheat the Oven: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare Tortilla Strips: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray the foil with vegetable oil spray. Arrange the tortilla strips in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Bake the tortilla strips until they are crisp and golden, turning them once for even baking. This should take about 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
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Make Cilantro Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the fresh cilantro leaves, grated lemon rind, and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Mix well to create a fresh and zesty garnish.
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Serve the Soup: Once the soup is ready, bring it to a gentle simmer. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with the crispy tortilla strips on top. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of the cilantro mixture, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and sunflower seeds. Add a lemon wedge to each serving for a bright burst of flavor.
Enjoy your Tortilla Soup with Smoked Turkey as a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dining occasion. This soup is perfect for a quick brunch or a hearty dinner, and the crispy tortilla strips add a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the rich and savory soup base. 🍲🌿🧀🌞
