Tortilla Soup, a classic staple of Mexican cuisine, is rich in flavor, texture, and history. La Parrilla Suiza’s version of this beloved dish is a standout for its perfect balance of heat, tang, and depth of flavor. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl on a chilly day or want to impress your dinner guests with something hearty and delicious, this soup is guaranteed to deliver.
What makes La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup so special is the way it combines simple ingredients, like crispy tortilla strips, with bold flavors that pack a punch. A perfect blend of spices, vegetables, and tender chicken, all simmered together in a savory broth, results in a soul-warming dish that has become a favorite among many.
Let’s dive deeper into the recipe, explore what makes it tick, and see how you can recreate this tantalizing dish at home.
La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup Recipe
This recipe is designed to replicate the traditional flavors of La Parrilla Suiza’s signature Tortilla Soup, offering a homemade version that’s both flavorful and filling. You’ll get that perfect balance of crispy tortilla bits, a tangy broth, and the warmth from the chicken and spices.
Ingredients Needed
For The Soup
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2-3 pieces, depending on size)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Yellow onion (1 medium, chopped)
- Garlic cloves (3-4, minced)
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, or about 2 cups fresh)
- Chicken broth (4 cups, preferably low-sodium)
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon)
- Cumin (1 teaspoon)
- Paprika (1 teaspoon, smoked if you prefer a richer flavor)
- Cayenne pepper (optional, depending on your spice tolerance)
- Corn tortillas (5-6, cut into strips)
- Fresh lime (for squeezing over the top)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- Avocado (sliced, optional for topping)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack, for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for garnish)
For The Garnish
- Fried tortilla strips (from the corn tortillas)
- Fresh lime wedges
- Crisp shredded lettuce (optional)
- Sliced radishes (for an extra crunchy element)
Cooking Instructions
-
Cook The Chicken
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little cumin.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.
-
Prepare The Soup Base
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Let this cook for about 2 minutes to toast the spices.
-
Simmer The Soup
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth. Stir well, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
-
Shred The Chicken
- While the soup is simmering, shred the cooled chicken with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
-
Add The Chicken
- Once the soup has simmered, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine.
-
Fry The Tortilla Strips
- In a separate skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the tortilla strips in batches, frying them for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Remove them and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
-
Serve
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices if using.
Ingredient Insights
- Chicken Breasts: They offer lean protein and take on the flavors of the broth very well. Shredded chicken also provides that comforting texture you expect from a good tortilla soup.
- Corn Tortillas: The tortillas in the soup provide a unique texture, offering some substance and a slight sweetness when fried. They also give the soup a hearty base.
- Cumin and Chili Powder: These two spices are the backbone of the flavor profile in tortilla soup. They provide earthiness, smokiness, and a slight heat that gives the soup its signature flavor.
- Tomato Paste: It intensifies the tomato flavor, giving a rich and thick base to the soup. This, along with the diced tomatoes, creates a beautifully balanced broth.
- Cilantro and Lime: These two ingredients give the soup a fresh, zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the soup, elevating every spoonful.
Expert Tips
- Make it ahead: Tortilla soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the heat: If you’re a fan of spice, add more cayenne pepper or even some chopped jalapeños. On the other hand, if you’re sensitive to heat, scale back on the chili powder or skip the cayenne altogether.
- Broth quality matters: Always opt for a good-quality, low-sodium chicken broth. You can use homemade if you have it, but store-bought works perfectly fine.
- Texture: For a thicker, heartier soup, blend a portion of the soup (especially the broth and vegetables) with an immersion blender. This adds a creamy element without needing to add cream.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Tortilla Soup: Skip the chicken and use black beans or pinto beans as your protein source. You can also add roasted vegetables like zucchini, corn, or bell peppers for more texture.
- Spicy Tortilla Soup: If you love heat, throw in some chopped fresh jalapeños, poblano peppers, or a few dashes of hot sauce to ramp up the spice level.
- Creamy Tortilla Soup: For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or even a dollop of crema right before serving. This will make the broth silkier and richer.
- Sopa de Fideo Twist: Add a handful of fideo (short pasta) to the soup for a more substantial dish, combining the richness of both soup and noodles in one.
Final Words
Tortilla soup is a dish that effortlessly blends comfort with excitement. It’s the kind of meal that can feel like a warm hug on a cold day, yet still have enough complexity and spice to keep you coming back for more. The La Parrilla Suiza version of tortilla soup takes all the best elements of the dish and elevates them to new heights, with its perfectly seasoned broth, hearty chicken, and crispy tortilla toppings.
FAQs
What Are The Key Ingredients In La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup?
The key ingredients for La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup include chicken broth, fried tortilla strips, chicken, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili peppers, and cilantro. It is typically topped with cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices.
How Do I Prepare The Fried Tortilla Strips For La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup?
To prepare the fried tortilla strips, cut corn tortillas into thin strips and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and crispy. Once fried, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before adding to the soup.
Can I Make La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make the soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
What Kind Of Cheese Is Typically Used In La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup?
La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup is typically topped with a meltable Mexican cheese like queso fresco, Oaxaca cheese, or Monterey Jack. These cheeses complement the flavors of the soup without overpowering them.
How Can I Make La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup Spicier?
To make the soup spicier, you can increase the amount of chili peppers, such as jalapeños or serranos, during cooking. Additionally, you can add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to the broth for extra heat.
Can I Use Store-bought Tortilla Chips Instead Of Frying My Own Tortillas?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought tortilla chips for homemade fried tortilla strips. However, homemade strips tend to have a fresher, more authentic taste and texture.
How Long Does It Take To Make La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup?
The preparation and cooking time for La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup is around 40 to 45 minutes. This includes the time to cook the chicken (if using) and prepare the soup base and toppings.
Can I Make La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the soup base and refrigerate it for up to two days. When serving, reheat the soup and add the fried tortilla strips and toppings just before serving.
What Can I Serve With La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup?
La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup is often served with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad. You can also serve additional toppings like lime wedges and extra cilantro for added freshness.
How Can I Make La Parrilla Suiza Tortilla Soup More Filling?
To make the soup more filling, consider adding more protein like shredded beef or extra chicken. You can also increase the amount of vegetables, such as corn, carrots, or potatoes, to make the soup heartier.