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