Imagine stepping into a cozy kitchen where the rich, savory smells of a deliciously hearty soup are wafting through the air. It’s warm, comforting, and satisfies your taste buds in a way that just feels like home. This is exactly what Martina McBride’s Tortilla Soup offers – a flavorful, aromatic bowl of goodness that brings a touch of soul to any meal. With a blend of fresh ingredients, tender chicken, and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s no wonder that this recipe has become a staple in many homes.
Martina McBride, a renowned country music singer, is not just known for her powerful voice, but also for her love of good food. This recipe is a testament to that, as it combines her love of home cooking with flavors that feel both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this tortilla soup is bound to impress. Let’s dive into how you can create this comforting dish in your own kitchen.
Martina Mcbride Tortilla Soup Recipe
When it comes to making tortilla soup, Martina McBride’s recipe stands out because of its balance of flavors and textures. You get the richness of the broth, the crunch of the tortilla strips, and the tender, flavorful chicken. It’s a soup that feels substantial enough to be a meal on its own but is light enough to leave you wanting more. Here’s how to bring this soul-warming recipe to life.
Ingredients Needed
To create this mouthwatering tortilla soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For The Soup
- Chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless): Provides the main protein of the soup. The meat is tender, juicy, and absorbs the flavors of the broth beautifully.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a touch of richness to the base of the soup.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile, especially when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is essential for building the aromatic foundation of the soup.
- Diced tomatoes: These bring acidity and juiciness to the broth, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
- Chicken broth: The liquid base of the soup, offering a comforting depth of flavor. You can use low-sodium broth for better control over the salt content.
- Corn kernels: Adds a little sweetness and a crunchy texture.
- Chili powder: For that kick of heat and a smokiness that rounds out the flavor of the soup.
- Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that complements the chili powder and gives the soup a grounded, savory flavor.
- Lime juice: Brightens up the soup with a zing of acidity, balancing the richness.
- Tortilla strips (preferably homemade or store-bought): These are crispy, golden strips of tortilla that provide texture and an authentic touch.
- Avocado (optional, for garnish): Creamy, cool avocado adds a beautiful contrast to the warm, savory soup.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): For topping the soup with a melty, indulgent layer of cheesy goodness.
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish): The fresh, herbal note of cilantro can add a burst of brightness when sprinkled on top.
For The Tortilla Strips
- Corn tortillas: These are the base for the strips. When fried, they become crispy and provide that signature crunch.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the tortilla strips to golden perfection.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve got all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps of creating this delicious tortilla soup.
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Prepare The Tortilla Strips
- Start by cutting the corn tortillas into thin strips. If you prefer, you can buy pre-made tortilla strips from the store, but homemade ones add that personal touch and extra crunch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the tortilla strips in batches, frying until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Cook The Chicken
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sauté the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
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Make The Soup Base
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the fragrance of the garlic to fill your kitchen.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn kernels, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so that all the flavors meld together.
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Add The Chicken
- Once the broth has simmered, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together, and let it cook for another 5 minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs the flavors of the broth.
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Finish The Soup
- Squeeze the juice of a lime into the soup and stir. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed – adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference.
- Serve the soup hot, and top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a few slices of creamy avocado if desired.
Ingredient Insights
- Chicken Breast vs. Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster, chicken thighs are often juicier and richer in flavor. If you prefer a more indulgent soup, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. The texture will be slightly different, but equally delicious.
- Tortilla Strips: The homemade tortilla strips add an extra dimension to the soup, but store-bought tortilla chips can work in a pinch. If you’re making your own, keep an eye on the frying time, as they can burn quickly. Be sure to use corn tortillas for that authentic taste and texture.
- Cumin and Chili Powder: These two spices are fundamental to giving this soup its signature flavor. If you want a spicier soup, feel free to up the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Cumin adds an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the Heat: Tortilla soup can be made as spicy or mild as you like. Start with a small amount of chili powder and add more to taste. You can also add fresh diced jalapeños to the soup or top with hot sauce if you like a kick.
- Customize the Broth: If you want a richer broth, feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream. This will make the soup more velvety and indulgent.
- Chicken Substitution: If you’re looking to make the recipe a bit lighter, you can swap out the chicken for shredded turkey or even beans for a vegetarian version.
- Make It Ahead: This soup holds up well in the fridge, and the flavors deepen after a day or two. Consider making a big batch and storing it in airtight containers for easy meals later in the week.
Recipe Variations
While the classic Martina McBride tortilla soup is already pretty fantastic, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Tortilla Soup: Skip the chicken and add beans like black beans or pinto beans for protein. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to bulk it up.
- Spicy Tortilla Soup: For an added kick, throw in some fresh jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. The heat will contrast beautifully with the creamy avocado and cheese topping.
- Mexican Street Corn Tortilla Soup: For a fun twist, add some cotija cheese, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder on top of the soup, reminiscent of the classic Mexican street corn elote.
Final Words
Martina McBride’s Tortilla Soup is a dish that’s both comforting and versatile, perfect for any occasion. It’s a great recipe for a casual dinner, yet it’s impressive enough to serve at a gathering. The balance of savory chicken, aromatic spices, crunchy tortilla strips, and creamy avocado will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Martina McBride’s Tortilla Soup Recipe?
Martina McBride’s tortilla soup recipe typically requires chicken, chicken broth, tomatoes, onion, garlic, green chilies, tortilla chips, lime, cilantro, and a variety of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
Can I Make Martina McBride’s Tortilla Soup Recipe Without Chicken?
Yes, you can make the soup vegetarian by substituting the chicken with beans (such as black beans or pinto beans) or adding additional vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Martina McBride’s Tortilla Soup?
The preparation time for Martina McBride’s tortilla soup is around 10-15 minutes, with a total cooking time of 30-45 minutes depending on your cooking method and the ingredients used.
Can I Prepare Martina McBride’s Tortilla Soup In Advance?
Yes, you can make the soup in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop even more with time. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months and reheat when ready to serve.
What Type Of Tortilla Chips Work Best For Martina McBride’s Tortilla Soup?
For the best texture, it’s recommended to use sturdy, thicker tortilla chips that will hold up in the soup. Homemade or store-bought chips can work, but avoid overly thin chips as they may dissolve too quickly in the broth.
Can I Adjust The Spiciness Of The Tortilla Soup?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chilies, chili powder, or cumin. You can also add a fresh jalapeño for extra spice or omit it for a milder version.
What Are Some Toppings I Can Add To Martina McBride’s Tortilla Soup?
Some popular toppings include shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack), sour cream, diced avocado, extra tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
Can I Make Martina McBride’s Tortilla Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients (except the tortilla chips and toppings) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add tortilla chips and toppings right before serving.
What Can I Serve Alongside Martina McBride’s Tortilla Soup?
Martina McBride’s tortilla soup pairs well with cornbread, a side salad, or quesadillas. You could also serve it with a refreshing fruit salsa for a contrasting flavor.
Is There A Way To Make Martina McBride’s Tortilla Soup Spicier Without Changing The Base Recipe?
To add more heat without altering the base recipe, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or a chopped fresh jalapeño to the soup while it’s cooking.