We had the perfect warming soup for the snowy weather that descended on the Southern States. This winter will surely go down in the history books as one of the coldest and crippling on record. Schools throughout NC were cancelled from Wednesday onward through the week. If we had been home in Florida, we would have missed the snowy weather, but we also would have missed spending time with the Grand Kids. Snow is more fun with kids.
It is a North Carolina tradition to let the three, four and seven year olds clear the driveways of snow. Or so it would appear from this picture. Our Grandson Cameron is clearing his driveway while the neighbor boys are clearing theirs.
The trees were covered with ice and we were lucky that we did not lose power.
The tortilla soup that Kristen made was just what we needed to keep the chill away. She served it with a delicious jalapeno cornbread. Kristen has a way of taking a basic recipe and making it her own. The original tortilla soup recipe came from The Neiman Marcus Cookbook. She added the chilies and adjusted the seasoning.
TORTILLA SOUP
Ingredients:
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3tbsp. olive oil
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1 medium onion – large dice
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1 poblano + 1 cubanelle pepper (or any peppers you wish) – large dice
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3 garlic cloves – diced
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1 tsp. coriander
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1 tsp. cumin
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1 can chopped green chiles
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1 28 oz. can peeled tomatoes, chop tomatoes into small pieces
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1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
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6 oz. of reduced fat cream cheese (¾ of a block)
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1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
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1 cup of half and half
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4 tbsp. lemon juice
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julienned corn tortilla strips (for garnish)
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cilantro – chopped (for garnish)
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green onions – chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, season with salt & pepper and saute for about 5 minutes. Add peppers, season again with salt and pepper and saute for another 5-10 minutes over medium heat.
Add garlic, coriander and cumin and saute until fragrant – 1 to 2 minutes.
Add green chiles, tomatoes, black beans and cook mixture until some of the liquid evaporates (about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to medium low and add cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese is completely melted. Add chicken broth and half-n-half and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips, then cilantro and green onions.
Optional soup additions: chicken, sausage (or chicken sausage!), noodles, corn, etc… if desired to soup. Avocado would also be a nice addition to this soup!
Other Notes: pairs well with corn bread.
What a great soup for a snowy day. Kristin has a lovely way with her presentation too. So attractive! Stay warm Penny and enjoy your grandchildren. So glad you didn’t lose your power.
Sam
I do enjoy an occasional snowy day. Growing up in Michigan makes you appreciate the good snows of winter; fresh and crystalline, not dirty and muddy.
How about sending for snow removers from Northern Wisconsin and then feeding us? We remove snow and eat with great expertise! Love the way that soup looks and sounds!
I’ve been thinking about you up in the northern midwest Mimi. You do indeed know how to remove snow and you are welcome to give us a hand in exchange for a bowl of soup.
It sounds like the perfect soup to have with all of this cold weather and snow we are having here. You are probably on your way back to Sunny Florida…. Our weather is suppose to be in the high 50’s to low 60’s this week, so all of our snow will melt. Yeah! I want to be digging in the garden…hurry spring!
Hurry Spring, for sure Penny. We just got back to Florida and it is good to be warm again.
Delicious looking soup Penny and totally different than the one we make – we’ll have to give this creamy version a try.
Thanks Larry. I’ve made other versions too, but Kristen’s is really good.
Per your previous post, I was just listening to the sound track from Julia and Julia the movie as I drove up to Durham yesterday. And thought, this is perfect music to cook by! It makes you want to sail around the kitchen. There are a few things I learned from watching Julia C when I was younger, and always think of her when I use those skills. Glad you were up to NC for the snow.
I never thought to get the sound track of Julie and Julia. Will have to do so, so that I can sail around the kitchen too.
Our monster snow storm has turned into torrential rain. No other way to describe if but one rough winter. A delicious hot bowl of soup helps pull us through it. I’m looking forward to trying your recipe, Penny.
Thanks Cathy. Hope you enjoy the soup and that your weather improves soon. I know you are looking forward to the Farmer’s Market again.
Love those photos, Penny! Haven’t been in a snowstorm for many years. Which is fine with me. 🙂 It gets old fast. But I agree, fun for winter sports and kids.
Kristin’s soup looks warming and flavorful. A pretty presentation and I bet Ina’s jalapeno cornbread would be perfect with it.
It is good to be back in the warm Florida weather, but it was fun. I agree Ina’s jalapeno cornbread would be great with the soup.
Never had tortilla soup – it looks so creamy, perfect for all that snow. Better you than me (for the snow LOL)
I know Katie, but sometimes I would rather be in France. Don’t understand my desire, but it is there. You will love Kristen’s soup.
I made this soup tonight for dinner, and it was wonderful; one of the best soups I’ve ever made! It will definitely go on my regular rotation. I just put in the entire 8 oz. block of cream cheese. We topped it with shredded cheese, green onions, diced avocadoes, and fried tortilla strips.
So glad you liked it Diane. Kristen will be so happy too. I have never had a bad meal at her table. Your additions sound perfect. Thanks for your feedback. My best, Penny