The warm days of summer are behind us. Although it's still warm during the day here in Malibu, it's crisp and cool in the evenings. The perfect time to invite friends over to celebrate Autumn. I don't know about you, but our family and friends (practically family) have so many birthdays in the fall. An easy way to celebrate is to make some warming soup. Soup you say? Not so special? Ahh but this one is... Tortilla Soup topped with fresh cilantro and avocado. Easy and so yummy!
Easy Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 1 can drained black beans
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 1 1/2 cups sliced uncooked chicken
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo
- 1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mild cheddar)
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Cut tortillas in half, and then cut the halves into 1/4-inch wide strips. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a 3-quart pot. Working in three batches, fry the tortilla strips in the oil, until lightly browned and crisp. Remove the tortilla strips from the pan and let drain on a paper-towel-lined plate. Add the chopped onions to the pan; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the chicken and sauté for a few minutes until golden brown. Add the drained black beans. Add the broth, tomatoes, and salt. Increase the heat to high, heat until the soup begins to boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
To serve: Divide half of tortilla strips among 4 individual serving bowls; ladle in soup. Top with Pico de gallo, sliced avocado and cheese; garnish with remaining tortilla strips and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
One of my best new finds is La Brea Bakery half cooked Ciabatta loaves. You can freeze it or bake it fresh. The smell of hot bread is so wonderful. It doesn't really matter what else you make. Light a fire (make sure you have lots of wood) and if you can, move your table near the fire. My fireplace is in the family room - I just shove back the soda to the walls and drag in my round table and chairs. It changes up the whole house!
You will enjoy the ease of the preparations and your friends will enjoy your company and your home will glow with the colors of Autumn.