Craving Mexican Comfort Food? Here It Is!

        Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of my favorite things!  The LaCabana Mexican restaurant in the tiny town of Cave Spring where I used to work had THE best.  It was simple with just a few ingredients, but the tastes of the fresh pico de gallo and cilantro were my favorite ingredients.

         I didn't have all of the fresh ingredients to make a copy of LaCabana's soup, but here is a wonderful recipe by the Pioneer Woman that I have made many times.  I also did not have the  garnishes recommended for the soup, so I am calling this the healthy version!

          This is perfect for this time of year when it is beginning to get cold, and it more than satisfies a craving for Mexican food!  Enjoy

Chicken Tortilla Soup!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Cook Time: 90 Minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Ingredients

• 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 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
• 1 cup Diced Onion
• 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
• 2 cans (15 Oz. Can) Black Beans, Drained
• 3 Tablespoons Cornmeal Or Masa
• 5 whole Corn Tortillas, Cut Into Uniform Strips Around 2 To 3 Inches
• _____
• FOR THE GARNISHES:
• Sour Cream
• Diced Avocado
• Diced Red Onion
• Salsa Or Pico De Gallo
• Grated Monterey Jack Cheese
• Cilantro

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cumin, chili pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on chicken breasts, then sprinkle a small amount of spice mix on both sides. Set aside the rest of the spice mix.

Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done. Use two forks to shred chicken. Set aside.

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, if you have the garnishes, top with sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, pico de gallo, and grated cheese.

        For The Pioneer Woman's Crock version of Chicken Tortilla Soup, click on the link!  http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/slow-cooker-chicken-tortilla-soup/