Lenten Soup Supper II

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Just had a hankerin' for this soup and went with the first recipe that popped up on the interwebs. It was a Pioneer Woman recipe, someone I have never used before, but it is a really helpful website. ( I've never really watched the show either ) I stayed pretty close to the recipe this go round. I did not roast boneless chicken breasts, just an entire chicken - its just easier and cheaper - and better.

• 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts ( I used the whole chicken )
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• ( all of the above was just to cook the chicken )
• I sort of doubled everything... 
• 1 cup Diced Onion ( I added a couple of carrots )
• 1/4 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper
• 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 can (10 Oz. Can) Rotel Tomatoes And Green Chilies
• 32 ounces, fluid Low Sodium Chicken Stock
• 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 4 cups Hot Water ( I did not double the water )
• 2 cans (15 Oz. Can) Black Beans, Drained ( I only had three, but could have used 4  )
• 3 Tablespoons Cornmeal Or Masa ( dont skimp on this )
• 5 whole Corn Tortillas, Cut Into Uniform Strips Around 2 To 3 Inches

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add onions, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and begin cooking, then add the rest of the spice mix. Stir to combine, then add shredded chicken and stir.

Pour in Rotel, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes, uncovered.

Mix cornmeal with a small amount of water. Pour into the soup, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Check seasonings, adding more if needed---add more chili powder if it needs more spice, and be sure not to undersalt. Turn off heat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Five minutes before serving, gently stir in tortilla strips.

Ladle into bowls, then top with sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, pico de gallo, and grated cheese, if you have it! 

It was really good, will do this again -