Mexican Tortilla Soup 

This Mexican Tortilla Soup (Sopa de Tortilla) brings vibrant, rustic flavors to your bowl—crisp tortilla strips, bright tomato broth, and rich garlic and onion notes mingled with warming chiles. Each spoonful carries the comforting essence of Mexico City’s street kitchens, balanced with creamy avocado, zesty lime, and a hint of herbaceous epazote. It’s the perfect way to warm up on chilly evenings or to add a touch of festive flair to any meal. With simple ingredients and a lively presentation, it’s both rustic and elegant—flavorful, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

Based on classic and authentic versions:

• 6 corn tortillas (preferably slightly dried), cut into strips
  
  

• Oil for frying (vegetable or corn oil)
  
  

• 2 tablespoons oil (plus tortilla frying oil)
  
  

• 1 medium onion, chopped
  
  

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
  

• 1 (14–15 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred) or ~2 cups roasted fresh tomatoes
  
  

• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  
  

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  
  

• 1–2 dried pasilla or ancho chiles (optional, for depth)
  
  

• Garnishes—avocado chunks, cheese (queso panela, Chihuahua, or Monterey Jack), Mexican crema or sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges 

Directions

1. Fry tortilla strips – Heat oil in a skillet, fry the tortilla strips until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels.
   
   

2. Sauté base – Using a saucepan with 2 tbsp of oil (or reusing the tortilla oil for depth), sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
   
   

3. Build soup – Add diced or roasted tomatoes (and chiles, if using) and cook briefly. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for ~15 minutes. Season with salt and remove chiles if desired.
   
   

4. Blend (optional) – You can blend the soup partially for smoother texture, or leave it more rustic.
   
   

5. Add garnishes – Ladle soup into bowls, then top with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, crema, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
   
   

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving; incl. garnishes)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
  
  

• Fat: ~25 g (including oils and cheese)
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~40 g (mainly from tortillas and tomatoes)
  
  

• Protein: ~10 g (from cheese/crema and broth)
  
  

• Sodium: ~600 mg (varies by broth and added salt)
  
  

• Fiber: ~4 g (from tomatoes and avocado)
  
  

• Sugar: ~5 g