Description

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup is a warm, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring fresh vegetables, bold spices, and crispy tortilla strips. Perfect for a quick lunch or comforting dinner, it’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, offering a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and adaptable to various tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers, diced
2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

Beans

1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetable Broth & Liquids

4 cups vegetable broth
Juice of 1 lime

Spices

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt to taste

Tortilla Strips & Garnishes

1 cup crunchy tortilla strips (baked or fried)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (to taste)

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Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This step builds the flavorful foundation of the soup.
Add the Peppers and Tomatoes: Toss in the diced bell peppers and fresh or canned tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and their natural sweetness to develop, enriching the soup’s color and texture.
Stir in Spices and Liquids: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt to the pot. Stir well to toast the spices gently, enhancing their aroma and flavor. Then pour in the vegetable broth, mixing everything to combine and develop a deep, inviting flavor.
Simmer with Beans: Add the drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans to the soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld perfectly.
Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Garnish with crunchy tortilla strips to add a delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.

Notes

Use fresh spices for the best bold and authentic flavors.
Don’t skip the lime juice as it brightens and balances the soup’s flavors.
Make your own tortilla strips by baking corn tortillas with oil and salt for a healthier crunch.
Roasting tomatoes and peppers before adding boosts smoky depth.
Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth for a lighter texture or simmer longer to thicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg