Five-Star Restaurant’s Chicken Tortilla Soup 🍲
Description:
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this exceptional Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe, straight from the culinary treasure trove of a renowned five-star restaurant. Shared by a former insider, this recipe has been meticulously crafted and scaled down to perfection, resulting in a flavor-packed dish that’s ideal for various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to lively brunch gatherings and potluck feasts for large groups.
Key Attributes:
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Keywords: Potluck, Spicy, Weeknight, Brunch, For Large Groups
- Calories: 102.8 per serving
- Fat Content: 4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1g
- Cholesterol Content: 14.2mg
- Sodium Content: 119mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 12.3g
- Fiber Content: 1.8g
- Sugar Content: 2.1g
- Protein Content: 5.4g
- Servings: 24
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Water | 10 cups |
Chicken | 1 whole |
Tomato Paste | 1 can |
Garlic | 1 bulb |
Onion | 1 large |
Cilantro | 1 bunch |
Chipotle Chiles in Adobo | 3-4 |
Corn Tortillas | 2 |
Fresh Lemon Juice | 1 lemon |
Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
Vegetable Oil | As needed |
Serrano Peppers | 2-4 |
Avocados | For garnish |
Tortilla Chips | For garnish |
Sour Cream | For garnish |
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese | For garnish |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Stock:
- In a 16-quart stock pot, combine water, whole chicken, tomato paste, garlic, onion, and cilantro.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
-
Simmer the Stock:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the stock simmer until the chicken floats, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
-
Drain and Reserve:
- Drain the stock and reserve the broth only.
- Set aside the cooked chicken for another use or shred it to add into the soup later.
-
Prepare the Soup Base:
- In the same stock pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic, chopped onions, and sliced serrano peppers.
- Sauté the mixture for a few minutes until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the reserved chicken broth back into the pot.
- Add chipotle chiles in adobo, torn corn tortillas, tomato paste, fresh lemon juice, and sugar.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
-
Cook the Soup:
- Allow the soup to simmer until the corn tortillas are completely dissolved, infusing the broth with their rich flavor.
-
Blend the Soup:
- Once the soup has cooled slightly, transfer it to a blender in batches.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, achieving the desired consistency.
-
Reheat and Serve:
- Return the blended soup to the pot and reheat it gently over medium heat.
- Serve the hot soup in bowls, garnished with diced avocados, crispy tortilla chips, dollops of sour cream, and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cooking Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 4 hours
- Total: 4 hours 30 minutes
Tips and Tricks:
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chipotle chiles in adobo or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Customize the toppings according to your preference; try adding sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness.
- This soup freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Simply portion it into airtight containers once cooled and freeze for up to three months.
- To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken instead of boiling a whole chicken from scratch.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Increase the quantity of vegetables for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion:
With its robust flavors, creamy texture, and vibrant garnishes, this Five-Star Restaurant’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe delivers on taste, making every spoonful a delight. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of homemade soup that rivals the best restaurant offerings, right in the comfort of your own kitchen! 🌟