Amanda Hessers Tortilla Soup Recipe

Name: Amanda Hessers Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 dried ancho chili, split, veins and seeds removed (see note); 1 dried guajillo chili, split, veins and seeds removed; 1 tablespoon corn oil, plus additional for frying; 6 corn tortillas, cut into 1/4-inch strips; 1 small onion, peeled and coarsely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed with the side of a knife; 8 ounces plum tomatoes (about 3), coarsely chopped; 8 ounces cherry tomatoes; 4 to 6 cups chicken broth; Sea salt; Juice of 1 lime, plus 1 lime cut into wedges; 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced lengthwise into long strips

Servings: persons

1 dried ancho chili, split, veins and seeds removed (see note)
1 dried guajillo chili, split, veins and seeds removed
1 tablespoon corn oil, plus additional for frying
6 corn tortillas, cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 small onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed with the side of a knife
8 ounces plum tomatoes (about 3), coarsely chopped
8 ounces cherry tomatoes
4 to 6 cups chicken broth
Sea salt
Juice of 1 lime, plus 1 lime cut into wedges
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced lengthwise into long strips

1
In a saucepan over medium heat, toast the chilies on all sides.
2
(They are toasted when the skins bubble and turn color; don't let them burn.)
3
Transfer to a bowl and cover with water (about 1/4 cup).
4
Fill the saucepan with 1/4 inch oil and heat to 350 degrees, until the oil shimmers.
5
Fry the tortilla strips in 3 batches until golden, about 2 minutes per batch.
6
Drain on paper towels and set aside.
7
Let the oil cool, then discard.
8
Place the saucepan back over medium heat.
9
Add 1 tablespoon corn oil.
10
Add the onion and garlic and saute until soft, about 5 minutes, then scrape into a blender.
11
Drain the chilies and coarsely chop; add about half of each kind to the blender, along with all the tomatoes.
12
Blend until smooth.
13
Add about 4/5 of the fried tortillas and pour in 3 cups of the broth.
14
Blend for a minute.
15
Season to taste.
16
The soup should have a gentle, smoky heat.
17
If it is too mild, blend in the remaining chilies to taste.
18
Pour the soup into the saucepan and simmer, continuing to stir in broth until the soup is like a light bisque.
19
Season to taste with salt and lime juice.
20
Ladle it into bowls, garnishing it with avocado and tortilla strips.
21
Serve with a wedge of lime.

328

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 dried ancho chili, split, veins and seeds removed (see note), 1 dried guajillo chili, split, veins and seeds removed, 1 tablespoon corn oil, plus additional for frying, 6 corn tortillas, cut into 1/4-inch strips, and more.

Yes, Amanda Hessers Tortilla Soup falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Amanda Hessers Tortilla Soup

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions