chicken tortilla soup

source: danae original {sorta}

there is this amazing mexican restaurant in raleigh that serves the best chicken tortilla soup i've ever eaten - dos taquitos.  most of their menu offerings are very unique & not at all like the usual mexican restaurant in america.  all my friends that have travelled to mexico say it reminds them of the authentic cuisine of that country.

i made this recipe up based on my memory of the dos taquito soup.  i made a couple of ingredient additions {the cinnamon & honey} inspired by a rachael ray recipe for ancho chicken tortilla soup.

1 can corn, drained & dried
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 sweet onion, finely chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 chipotle pepper, finely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 bottle mexican beer {i used modelo negra}
1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 tablespoon honey
2 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded {i boil them for 20-30 minutes & let them cool}
2 cups chicken stock
juice of 1 lime
salt & pepper


toppings:
- corn tortillas, cut into strips & baked till crisp
- oaxaca cheese, cubed {fresh mozzarella can be substituted}
- avocado, diced
- cilantro, finely chopped


1. in a soup pot on high heat, with NO oil, add the corn kernels.  let them char for a few minutes, stirring occasionally if needed.

2. add olive oil, onion, garlic, & pepper.  saute for a few minutes before adding spices, then saute for another 1-2 minutes.

3. add the beer & let cook down for 1-2 minutes.

4. add the tomatoes & honey.  stir to combine.  add the chicken & coat in the sauce.

5. add the chicken stock & lime juice.  salt & pepper to taste.  heat through.  {add more chicken stock or water if you like more liquid.}

{what it looks like in the pot before all the toppings}

serve in bowls with tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, & cilantro added as desired.

the cheese gets all melty & yummy, & the avocado also adds a creaminess that pairs excellently with the crunch of the tortilla strips.  this recipe might be even better than dos taquitos!