February 23, 2011

Tia's Tortilla Soup

I'm a soup girl.  I love almost all soups.  Can't think of one I don't like.  When it comes to tortilla soup, there are so many.  Living in Southern California you can get Tortilla soup everywhere.  This recipe is my favorite.

1/2 large onion, finely chopped
3 tbls. butter
4 or 6 oz. can chopped mild green chillies
1 28 oz. can diced or crushed tomatoes (plum if available)
6 oz. cream cheese (not lite or non-fat)
1 14 oz. can chicken broth
1 1/2 cups half & half
4 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Garlic powder, Cayenne, Cumin and Salt  to taste. 

Garnishes:
Chopped green onion
Shredded Jack or Mozzarella cheese
Crisp tortilla strips

Cook onion gently in butter till onion is soft.  Add chilies and tomatoes; simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until liquid is nearly gone.  Stir in cream cheese and keep heat moderate to low till cheese melts.  Add chicken broth, half & half, lemon juice, cayenne, cumin(if used), and salt.  If it tastes too acidy or sour, add just a pinch of sugar.  Heat till steamy hot but do not boil.  Serve piping hot with garnishes on top to suit your taste.  To make it heartier, you may add chopped cooked chicken breast. 

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