Print

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large bell pepper, chopped

Broth or Stock

  • 4 cups vegetable broth

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: Vegetarian, Tortilla Soup, Mexican, Gluten Free, Healthy, Soup, Easy, Vegetables