Sopa de Tortilla, also known as tortilla soup, is a traditional Mexican dish full of flavor, warmth, and rustic charm. This comforting soup blends a spicy tomato base with crispy tortilla strips and an array of delicious toppings. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty dish to serve guests, this recipe delivers bold taste and satisfying textures in every spoonful.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Authentic Flavors – A classic Mexican dish rich with spices and depth.
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Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like tomatoes, garlic, and tortillas.
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Customizable Toppings – Add avocado, cheese, sour cream, or anything you love.
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Great for Leftovers – The soup base stores and reheats well.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make a traditional sopa de tortilla:
For the Soup:
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
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1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (or to taste)
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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tortilla Strips:
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6 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
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Oil for frying (or use baking method)
Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
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Avocado slices
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Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
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Fresh cilantro
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Lime wedges
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Sour cream
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Jalapeño slices
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sopa de Tortilla
Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Strips
Heat oil in a pan and fry the tortilla strips until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Alternatively, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 2: Cook the Base
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Sauté chopped onion until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Blend the Tomatoes
In a blender, puree the tomatoes and chipotle pepper. You can also add a bit of the broth for easier blending.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Add the tomato puree to the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Add the Broth
Pour in the broth and stir. Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or spice level to your liking.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite toppings.
Choosing the Right Tortillas
Always use corn tortillas, not flour. Corn tortillas hold up better in the soup and provide a more authentic taste and texture.
Make It Vegetarian or Vegan
To make a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth. To make it fully vegan, skip the cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives.
How to Add Protein
If you want a more filling version, consider adding:
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Shredded rotisserie chicken
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Cooked black beans
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Sautéed tofu
Tips for Crispy Tortilla Strips
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Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.
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Let them drain completely on a paper towel.
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Season with salt while still hot.
Flavor Variations
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Roasted Tomato Base: Roast your tomatoes, onion, and garlic before blending for a smoky flavor.
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Creamy Version: Blend in a small amount of heavy cream or sour cream into the soup base.
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Spicy Kick: Add more chipotle or a splash of hot sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover soup (without toppings) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. Store tortilla strips separately to keep them crispy.
What to Serve With Sopa de Tortilla
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A fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette
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Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
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Warm corn bread or Mexican bolillos
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using flour tortillas: They become soggy and gummy in the soup.
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Adding toppings too early: Add tortilla strips and toppings only when serving to keep textures fresh.
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Over-spicing: Start small with chipotle; you can always add more.
FAQs
What does “Sopa de Tortilla” mean?
It literally means “tortilla soup” in Spanish, referring to the use of corn tortillas in the dish.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, canned diced tomatoes work great, especially when fresh ones aren’t in season.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat from the chipotle pepper. Adjust to your taste.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare the soup base in advance and store it in the fridge. Add toppings when ready to serve.
Are there any gluten-free options?
This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and corn tortillas.
Can I freeze tortilla soup?
The base freezes well for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing toppings or tortilla strips.
What’s the difference between tortilla soup and pozole?
Tortilla soup uses fried tortilla strips, while pozole uses hominy (dried corn kernels treated with lime).
How can I thicken the soup?
Simmer it uncovered to reduce and concentrate flavors. You can also blend in a few tortilla strips for body.
Conclusion
Sopa de Tortilla is a delicious, satisfying soup that brings the bold flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen. Whether you’re craving comfort food, hosting a themed dinner, or just want a simple and delicious meal, this recipe will not disappoint. With fresh toppings and a richly spiced tomato base, each bowl is a celebration of texture and taste. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your home cooking rotation.