Cheese In Tortilla Soup: What's The Perfect Match?

Tortilla soup is a comforting and flavourful dish that can be made in a variety of ways. The soup typically includes chicken broth, tomatoes, garlic, onion, chiles, and fried tortilla strips. It can also include beans, cheese, and chicken. The type of cheese used in tortilla soup is often Monterey Jack, but other varieties such as cheddar, cream cheese, and cotija can also be used.

What is tortilla soup?

Tortilla soup is a traditional Mexican dish that combines chicken broth, tomatoes, garlic, onion, chiles, and fried tortilla strips. It is often served as an appetizer and can be made with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, chicken, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges. The soup typically includes a tomato-chile broth that is ladled hot over crispy tortilla strips.

Tortilla soup is a flexible dish that can be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting chicken stock with vegetable stock and omitting the cheese and chicken. It can also be customised to be spicier by adding extra pasilla chile or other spicy peppers.

The soup is typically prepared by first toasting dried chiles and then sautéing onions and garlic in oil. The toasted chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and chicken or vegetable stock are then blended and puréed until smooth. This mixture is then added to a stockpot with oregano and epazote sprig, if desired. Chicken, tortilla strips, and other toppings can be prepared while the soup simmers. Finally, the soup is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste and ladled into serving bowls over the tortilla strips, topped with avocado and cheese, and loaded with desired toppings.

Tortilla soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be customised to suit different tastes and preferences. It is a popular and well-loved dish that is perfect for a cosy night in or a gathering with friends and family.

What kind of cheese is used in tortilla soup?

Tortilla soup is a traditional Mexican dish that combines chicken broth, tomatoes, garlic, onion, chiles, and fried tortilla strips. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which cheese to use in tortilla soup, as different recipes call for different ingredients, there are several types of cheese that are commonly used.

One popular option is to use a soft, diced cheese such as panela or Oaxaca cheese. These cheeses add a creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavour to the soup. Other soft cheeses that can be used include Monterey jack, pepper jack, or cotija. These cheeses have a stronger flavour, so a little goes a long way. For those who prefer a more robust flavour, shredded or crumbled cotija or queso fresco can be sprinkled on top of the soup.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a sharp cheddar can be melted into the soup to add a kick. This is a good option for those who want a cheesy soup without the soup becoming too creamy. Another option for adding some spice is to use chilli con queso, a spicy, processed cheese sauce that can be melted into the soup or used as a topping.

For a truly indulgent tortilla soup, cream cheese can be added to the broth to create a rich, creamy texture. This option is best for those who want a hearty, comforting soup.

How do you make tortilla soup?

How to Make Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup is a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's easy to make and can be customised with your favourite toppings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make your own bowl of tortilla soup at home.

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas
• Oil (such as olive oil, corn oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chilli (such as jalapeño, Anaheim, poblano, or chipotle)
• Chicken broth or stock
• Tomatoes (crushed or diced)
• Beans (such as black beans or pinto beans)
• Chicken (breast or thigh)
• Spices (such as cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or oregano)
• Cheese (such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Oaxaca cheese)
• Avocado
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Lime
• Salt and pepper

Optional Ingredients:

• Corn
• Lime juice
• Tomato paste
• Taco seasoning
• Cream cheese
• Greek yoghurt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Strips

Start by preparing the tortilla strips, also known as tortilla chips or crisps. Cut the corn tortillas into thin strips and fry them in batches in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown. You can also bake the tortilla strips in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, along with the chilli (seeded and diced). Sauté until the vegetables are softened. You can also add bell peppers at this stage for extra sweetness.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

To the pot, add the chicken broth or stock, along with the crushed or diced tomatoes. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Beans

If using raw chicken, add the cubed or shredded chicken to the pot and cook until heated through. You can also use leftover or rotisserie chicken and add it to the pot once the broth is ready. Add the beans (rinsed and drained) to the pot as well.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Season the soup with salt and pepper, as well as any desired spices such as cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika. Let the soup simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavours to develop and blend.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and add your desired toppings. Top the soup generously with the prepared tortilla strips, along with shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Tips and Variations:

• For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the chicken and use vegetable stock.
• For a spicier soup, adjust the amount of jalapeño or chipotle pepper, or add extra spices.
• To save time, use store-bought tortilla chips instead of frying your own tortilla strips.
• You can also purée beans into the broth for a thicker soup.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free corn tortillas.
• The soup can be made in a slow cooker or crockpot, following similar steps.
• Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

What can you serve with tortilla soup?

Tortilla soup is a comforting and flavourful dish that can be served with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some ideas on what to serve with tortilla soup:

Toppings

Tortilla soup is often served with toppings that add texture and flavour. Common toppings include:

• Cheese: shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or other Mexican-style cheeses
• Avocado: diced or sliced
• Sour cream
• Cilantro: chopped fresh
• Lime wedges
• Crispy tortilla strips: made from frying tortilla strips in oil, or using crumbled tortilla chips
• Jalapeños: sliced
• Greek yogurt: as a healthier alternative to sour cream

Sides

Tortilla soup can be served as a starter or a main course. If serving as a main, here are some side dishes that would pair well:

• Salad: try a black bean corn salad, avocado salad, or grilled corn salad
• Bread: crusty bread or cornbread, such as Mexican cornbread or jalapeño cornbread muffins, would be great for dipping
• Vegetables: grilled corn, roasted carrots, or air-fried cauliflower
• Chips and dip: serve with homemade guacamole, Mexican corn dip, or vegan queso

How do you store tortilla soup?

Storing tortilla soup is easy, and it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to two to three months.

To store tortilla soup, let it cool down completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Make sure to consume it within three to four days.

If you want to freeze the soup, it is best to use airtight freezer containers or zip-top freezer bags. When using zip-top bags, ensure that you freeze them flat. It is also important to let the soup thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it.

Additionally, if you have added toppings such as tortilla strips or avocado to the soup, it is best to store them separately.

Frequently asked questions