Soup: ojai valley inn tortilla soup

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
poundsLarge tomatoes, quartered
1mediumOnion, quartered
½cupPlus 3 tbl. vegetable oil
4Corn tortillas, coarsely
Chopped
6Garlic cloves, finely
Chopped
8cupsChicken stock or canned
Low-salt broth
¼cupTomato paste
1tablespoonChopped fresh cilantro
1tablespoonGround cumin
2teaspoonsChili powder
2Bay leaves
3Corn tortillas, cut into
2-inch-long 1/4-inch-wide
Strips
1cupDiced cooked chicken
1Avacado, peeled, pitted,
Diced
1cupShredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream

Directions

TORTILLAS

CHICKEN MIXTURE

Puree tomatoes and onion in processor until mixture is smooth as possible. Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped tortillas and garlic and saute' 2 minutes. Add tomato-onion puree, chicken stock, tomato paste, cilantro, cumin, chili powder and bay leaves and bring to boil.

Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt.

Strain soup through coarse sieve, pressing on solids with back of spoon. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Heat remaining ½ cup vegetable oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add tortilla strips and cook until crisp and golden about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and drain well.

Bring soup to simmer. Ladle into bowls. Serve, passing tortilla strips, chicken, avacado, cheese and sour cream.

Served at the Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, California.

SOURCE: Bon Appetit Favorite Restaurant Recipes, Volume II Shared by Cate Vanicek