Tortilla Soup with Chicken and Lime

I recently went on a really beautiful cross-country ski trek in Hatcher Pass. The groomed ski trails meander hither and thither amongst old gold mining camp buildings at the Independence Mine State Historical Park, so pretty with their white-washed walls and bright red trim. It was a winter wonderland. Everyone was flitting this way and that on their skis, big smiles plastered on their faces. Yay, winter!

A big bowl of this tortilla soup is the perfect thing to come home to after such an outing. Warm and filling but still light and healthy enough not to ruin all that hard work you did burning all those calories on the trail. It's number 18 in my collection of favorite recipes, one a day for each day of November and Nablopomo.

Tortilla Soup with Chicken and Lime

Serves four

4 corn tortillas

2 t olive oil

4 c low-salt chicken broth

3/4 c canned Mexican-style stewed tomatoes with juices

1 bay leaf

1 garlic clove, pressed

1/4 t ground cumin

1/8 t dried chili powder

12 oz skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips

2 green onions, sliced

1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro

2 T fresh lime juice

Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush one side of tortillas with oil. Cut tortillas in half, then stack the  halves and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips. Spread strips on a baking sheet. Bake until light golden, about 15 minutes. Cool on baking sheet.

Combine broth, tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic, cumin and chili powder in a big pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add chicken and simmer until just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in green onions, cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with tortilla strips and serve.

Comments

[Lyra]

This sounds easy and delicious...Ill have to try it out, and probably add a couple chili peppers for some more burn (the more it burns-the better:)

[Constance]

I made this for dinner tonight with Muir Glen Fire Roasted tomatoes with green chilis; it provided plenty of burn~! A great soup for one of our first snowy evenings at home. Quick, but hearty and healthy. It's a definite keeper. Thanks, Molly.

[molly]

You're welcome, Constance. Glad you liked it!