Mission inn tortilla soup

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
teaspoonButter
teaspoonOlive oil
1largeYellow onion -- diced
28ouncesTomatoes -- diced, canned
1Whole jalapeno pepper (or
Serrano) -- diced
6ouncesVegetable-juice cocktail
(V-8)
2tablespoonsChicken stock
2cupsHot water
¾teaspoonGround cumin
¾teaspoonPaprika
1pinchChili powder
½teaspoonWhite pepper
1Clove garlic (or more) --
Minced
tablespoonTomato paste
½cupFresh cilantro -- chopped
1tablespoonCornstarch
1tablespoonWater
6Corn tortillas -- 6-inch
Size
Vegetable oil -- for frying
1cupAvocado -- diced
2cupsGrilled chicken breast --
Diced
¼cupFresh cilantro -- chopped
1cupCheddar cheese -- grated

Directions

Heat butter and olive oil in heavy saucepan until butter melts. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add tomatoes and continue to cook until soft. Add jalapeno and mixed vegetable juice. Bring to boil and add stock and hot water. Bring to simmer. Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, white pepper and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally. Add tomato paste and ¼ cup cilantro and cook, stirring occasionally.

Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir into tomato mixture and simmer until liquid is shiny, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut tortillas into 1½-inch strips or cubes and deep-fry in hot oil. Remove and drain.

To serve, distribute ½ cup avocado, 1 cup chicken breast, ⅛ cup chopped cilantro and half tortilla strips among 6 bowls. Pour hot soup over garnish and top with remaining avocado, chicken breast, chopped cilantro and tortilla strips. Pass grated Cheddar on the side.

Makes 6 servings.

Chef's Notes: This recipe was shared by Joe D. Cochran, Jr., the executive chef at the Mission Inn in Riverside, California.

Recipe By : Mission Inn, Riverside, CA via LA Times 10/26/95 From: Caitlin Davis Carlson, Seaview,wa