Everything but the tortilla

 

See? I told you I'd be a better blogger.. and here I am, twice in one week! Who knew??

So, I know this blog is about baking but sometimes you gotta lay off the sugar and eat something healthy. That's where this comes in. Chicken tortilla soup, minus the tortillas. Why, you ask? Cause those fried strips of deliciousness aren't exactly fat-free (nothing that good ever is, right?) And if you get rid of those, this soup is completely and totally guilt-free (just watch the cheese.)

When the weather gets a little colder, there's nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of soup. This is my personal favorite. The base soup recipe came from the Food Network's Tyler Florence. His version, however, is pretty much just a base and is somewhat bland. I added a few things to spice it up, and a couple options to make it easier and faster to make, and VOILA! Delicious, homemade soup in less than 2 hours. 

Chicken Tortilla-less Soup

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 medium white onions, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (2 if you like it spicy)
• 2 cans (15oz cans) diced tomatoes, 1 plain and 1 with diced green chiles
• 1 quart chicken stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper 
• 1/2 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and diced
• 1/2 cup shredded Jack cheese, optional
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• 1 lime, cut in wedges, for serving

Directions

Place a stockpot over medium heat and coat with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the onions, garlic, jalapenos, and tomatoes; cook, stirring for 30 minutes until the vegetables are cooked down and pulpy. Pour in the stock, seasonings, and simmer for 30 minutes or longer.

Ladle the hot soup into 4 soup bowls and put a pile of shredded chicken on top of each. Top with the diced avocado and cheese. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

NOTE: I add my shredded chicken to the pot, rather than use it as a garnish. Just my personal preference.

You're welcome.