Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
Vegetarian Tortilla Soup is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that combines fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and crispy tortilla strips for a comforting yet light meal. Easy to prepare and highly adaptable, this soup offers rich layers of taste and texture perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. It’s an ideal recipe for any season, delivering a nourishing and colorful dining experience.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
Broth or Stock
Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Tortilla Strips
- 4 corn tortillas, sliced into strips and baked or lightly fried until crispy
Fresh Garnishes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers. Sauté gently until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes along with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors that form the soup’s base.
- Pour in the Broth and Beans: Add the vegetable broth and drained beans to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow all flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the Tortilla Strips: While the soup simmers, slice the corn tortillas into thin strips. Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or lightly fry until crisp and golden brown. Set aside for garnish.
- Final Touches and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a fresh squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot, topped generously with crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro or your preferred garnishes.
Notes
- Toast your cumin and chili powder lightly before adding to deepen their flavor.
- Use fresh lime juice to brighten the soup and balance spices.
- Crispy tortilla strips are essential for texture contrast and authentic taste.
- Simmer gently to preserve the freshness and texture of the vegetables.
- Customize garnishes with avocado, cilantro, cotija cheese, or sour cream as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Vegetarian, Tortilla Soup, Mexican, Gluten Free, Healthy, Soup, Easy, Vegetables