Skip to main content

Tortilla Soup

R. B. has discovered from his guitar teacher, Wayne Avers, that playing music is a lot like cooking. A solid background in fundamental scales and chords is the key ingredient for intuitive playing. As with cooking, the more you can take advantage of a basic, well-stocked pantry, the better prepared you are for cooking on the fly. For tortilla soup, a regular two-timing favorite, we have on hand onions, potatoes, celery, and carrots and cans of tomatoes, beans, and broth. With these ingredients, some seasonings, and some cheater meat, you’ve got dinner. Go lighter on the chipotle peppers for a milder flavor.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large green pepper, chopped
5 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
3 cups chopped leftover cheater meat like pork shoulder, beef, chuck, or chicken
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
Two 14 1/2-ounce cans chicken broth
1/4 cup minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1/2 cup chopped green chiles, frozen, or 2 small cans (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cumin

For the Toppings

Lime wedges, avocado slices, crumbled fried corn tortillas, sprigs of fresh cilantro, and sour cream

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    COOK the onion in the oil in a soup pot over medium heat until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

    Step 2

    STIR in the remaining soup ingredients. Simmer the soup for about 30 minutes.

    Step 3

    PASS bowls of garnishes at the table for everyone to help themselves.

Cheater BBQ
Read More
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.