Chicken Tortilla Soup

Let me first start by saying that this soup was tasty and easy to prepare. But it is not good unless you add fresh avocado, cilantro, fresh squeezed lime and crushed tortillas. The soup is sort of a base and needs these toppings. This recipe calls for freshly made tortillas, but I just used good old fashioned Tostitos and it was delish. I served it with fresh home made guacamole and chips too :)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

	8 cupsChicken Stock
	2 wholeOnions; diced
	3 clovesGarlic; crushed
	1 1/2 tablespoonChili Powder
	1 large canCrushed Tomatoes
	1 wholeLime
	1 teaspoonCumin
	Salt; to taste
	Pepper; to taste
	1/4 teaspoonCayenne; or more to taste
	1 cupVegetable oil
	12 wholeCorn tortillas
	2 cupsChicken; cooked and torn or cubed into 1/2" cubes
	-- Optional Add-Ons --
	Cilantro
	Sour cream
	Corn kernels
	Black beans
	Avocado

In a large stockpot, heat 3 tablespoons of oil to medium-high heat. Add crushed garlic and chopped onions, and stir until onions just start to brown. Add the can of crushed tomatoes, cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt, pepper, and half of the lime juice. Turn up the heat until it bubbles, stirring constantly, then gradually stir in chicken stock. Turn down to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add diced chicken. (Optionally add black beans or fresh corn kernels).

To make the tortilla crisps, julienne 12 corn tortillas into narrow, uniform strips. In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of vegetable oil up to medium-high heat (takes about 5 minutes to come up to temperature -- be sure to test the heat of the oil by placing a corn tortilla bit into the oil -- it should bubble immediately). Deep-fry these tortilla strips in batches (2 mins or so -- do not let them turn a dark brown) -- transfer to paper towel to dry. They should be crispy.

When ready to serve, plate the soup, then top with a mound of the tortilla strips. Optionally add avocado, sour cream, cheese, fresh corn kernels.

Squeeze fresh lime juice into each bowl at the table.

Soup itself can be made ahead, but make the corn tortilla strips fresh, just prior to serving... it's worth it.