chicken-lime-tortilla soup hits the spot!

Love chili? So do I, and once you've perfected "the" recipe, it's tough to change. After all, you've tweaked and pinched and sprinkled to the point where you've reached perfection; why mess with it?

For those who love chili but are past the wild experimentation stage, try a hearty, satisfying chicken tortilla soup. This one has two kinds of chicken plus white beans, southwestern-style spices and the earthy flavor of corn tortillas. Like chili, this tastes delicious the longer it simmers, and is even better the next day. Feel free to add your favorite soup veggies; this tastes great with corn kernels or diced summer squash. Tailor it to your own tastes, I know that some people do not like the flavor of cilantro but if you do, load up! Garnish with sour cream, avocado, more cilantro, a little green onion, and tortilla chips baked with a sprinkle of lime and salt. A Lonesome Road Studio exclusive...

Recipe:

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb. ground chicken

one 14.5 ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped (reserve liquid)

3 cups leftover shredded cooked chicken (I used grilled chicken; wonderful addition!)

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 teaspoons dried oregano

3 teaspoons ground cumin

1 tablespoon chili powder blend

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

one 15.5 oz. can white kidney beans (cannellini beans), drained and rinsed

Juice of one small lime

5 soft corn tortillas, cut into squares or strips

Directions: In a large soup pot, saute onion and garlic together in olive oil until tender. Add ground chicken and cook thoroughly, breaking up as chicken cooks. When chicken is completely cooked, add tomatoes with their reserved liquid, plus the broth, oregano, cumin, chili powder and cinnamon. Stir to combine and add leftover shredded cooked chicken. Bring to a boil then quickly reduce heat and simmer over medium-low heat for at least 30 minutes but, the longer the better.

About 30 minutes before serving, add white kidney beans, juice of one lime, and the soft corn tortilla strips. Stir to blend and simmer for at least another 30 minutes, then garnish and serve.

Makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.

Can't get enough chicken tortilla soup? Check out this recipe published here last winter...

http://lonesomeroadstudio.blogspot.com/2011/02/something-little-different-for-big-game.html