Tortilla Soup

Ingredients
- 400 gRound tomato (peeled and seeded)
- 1 pcYellow onion (roughly chopped)
- 2 pcGarlic (germ removed)
- 1 pcHot chili pepper (seeded)
- 1 pcChicken carcass (for stock) (for the broth)
- 1.5 LMineral water
- 4 pcSoft tortilla (for filling), made from corn (cut into strips)
- 100 mlSunflower oil (for frying)
- 1 pcPersea americana Mill. (diced)
- 100 gFresh cheese (crumbled)
- 50 mlCream
- 1 pcFresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 pcCitrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle. (in wedges)
- 2 pcAncho Chili (seeded and rehydrated)
Method
An intense brick-red broth, thickened with tomato and chili, topped with crunchy fried tortilla strips. Lime acidity cuts through the creamy avocado and fresh cheese.
- 1
In a large pot, submerge the chicken carcass in mineral water with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Skim regularly to keep the broth clear.
- 2
Toast the ancho chili in a dry pan, then rehydrate it in a little hot water. Blend the round tomatoes, yellow onion, garlic, chili, and rehydrated ancho chili until smooth. In a skillet with a drizzle of oil, pour this puree and let it reduce until it thickens and takes on a dark, concentrated color.
- 3
Cut the soft tortillas into thin strips. Fry them in hot sunflower oil until golden brown and they sound hollow under the spatula. Drain on paper towels.
- 4
Strain the chicken broth and add it to the reduced tomato base. Simmer for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld. The broth should lightly coat the back of a spoon.
- 5
Pour the hot broth into bowls. At the last moment, add the crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, a touch of cream, crumbled fresh cheese, and fresh cilantro. Serve with a lime wedge.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get this dish right?
- Only fry the tortillas at the last moment so they stay perfectly crunchy.
- If the tomato puree isn't dark enough, reduce it longer: that's where all the umami is concentrated.
How long does this dish keep?
The broth keeps for 3 days in the fridge. Keep the fried tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature.





