I stir up this vegetable-rich version of the well-known Mexican
chicken and tortilla soup when a zesty south-of-the-border soup is the order of the day. My
chopping is kept to a minimum while the flavor is pumped up by taking advantage of what I call
the "mix-in" vegetables that are so readily available: corn with red and green peppers added
and diced tomatoes with peppers.
Preparation facts
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 Tbs vegetable oil
1 small red onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
15 baby carrots, cut crosswise into thirds (about 3/4 cup)
2 tsp bottled minced garlic
1 tsp cumin seed
1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can Mexican-style diced tomatoes with
peppers
1 (11 ounce) can Mexican-style corn with red and green peppers,
drained
2 Tbs canned mild diced chilies
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups large chunks rotisserie chicken, skin removed
Serving
1 large avocado
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
3 Tbs freshly-squeezed lime juice
1 cup broken tortilla chips
Directions
Heat the oil over medium heat in a large soup pot or 5-6 quart Dutch
oven. Add the onion, carrots, garlic, and cumin seed. Stir well and cook, until the onion is
tender, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the zucchini and chili powder and cook,
stirring frequently, just until the zucchini begins to soften, about 3 minutes.
Add the broth, tomatoes, corn, chiles, and salt. Stir well and bring to
a boil. Cover, turn the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the
chicken, stir well, and simmer about 3 minutes to heat the chicken.
While the soup is simmering, peel the avocado and cut it into chunks.
Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Spoon into warm soup
bowls and top with the avocado chunks and tortilla chips.
Variation: For a spicier touch, stir 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped
canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in along with the broth.
Company's Coming: Pull out a big pot and double the recipe for great
casual get-together fare. Squeeze in about 5 tablespoons of lime juice. Toss the avocado
chunks in a little lime juice to keep them nicely green.
Lighter Touch: Make your own tortilla strips to reduce the fat. Preheat
the oven to 350° F. Omit the chili powder from the soup. Cut 4 (6-inch) corn tortillas in
half, then cut them into 1/2-inch strips. Put in a bowl, lightly coat with nonstic
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie
diet.
Nutrition facts are calculated by a food expert using
nutritional values provided by the USDA for common products used as recipe ingredients. Actual
nutritional values may differ depending on the amounts or products used and can be affected by
cooking methods.
The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes
only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult
your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any
supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
Information expires June 2009.
