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Tortilla Soup

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves 4 to 6
Our favorite tortilla soup recipe! It features black beans and corn simmered in a fragrant tomato broth. To take it over the top, pile your bowl with avocado, Cotija cheese, and lots of crispy tortilla strips.

Ingredients

  • 2 dried Guajillo or ancho chiles
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 2 (14-ounce) cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 large white onion, diced, reserve ⅓ cup for topping
  • 1½ teaspoons sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 garlic cloves, grated
  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth, plus more as needed
  • 3 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1½ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels, from about 2 ears fresh
  • Freshly ground black pepper

For serving

  • Diced avocado
  • Sliced radishes
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Crumbled Cotija cheese
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Use kitchen scissors to slice the stems off the chiles, then cut the chiles open vertically along one of their edges. Spread them open so that they lay flat. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chiles for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until soft and fragrant. Place one of the tortillas in the pan and toast on each side until puffed up and fragrant.
  • Place the toasted chiles and tortilla in a blender and add the tomatoes. Blend until smooth.
  • Heat the avocado oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until softened. Add the cumin and oregano and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the tomato mixture and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, water, and beans and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the corn and simmer for 10 more minutes.
  • Cut the remaining tortillas into thin strips and place on the prepared baking sheets. Drizzle with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Spread evenly on the baking sheets and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crispy.
  • If the soup is too thick, stir in a little more water to reach your desired consistency. Season to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy tortilla strips, reserved diced onion, avocado, radishes, cilantro, and Cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.