Chicken Tortilla Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 2 chicken breast halves, poached & chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup carrot, finely chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped (use mainly the leaves)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups water (strained poaching liquid from chicken is best)
• 28 ounces tomatoes, chopped (cento)
• 1/2 lime, juice of
• 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
• 2 -3 teaspoons cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon dried dried chipotle powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon basil, dried
• 2 cups corn tortilla strips, crushed in food processor (mission brand)
• 1 cup milk (optional)
• 4 ounces monterey jack cheese, shredded (or pepper jack)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Recipe

• 1 saute onion, carrot and celery in olive oil until very soft. add garlic and continue cooking for 2 minutes more.
• 2 add water, tomatoes, spices and tortilla pieces. cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes.
• 3 add chicken (and milk if using). cook 5 minutes. taste for seasoning.
• 4 blend in shredded cheeses. serve with crisp tortilla strips on top.