Zinfandeli's tortilla soup - s.a. express - arlene lightsey

8 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1tablespoonVegetable Oil (or two)
teaspoonGarlic, fresh, chopped
8eachesCorn Tortillas, chop coarse
2cupsOnion puree
1teaspoonCayenne pepper
2tablespoonsCumin powder
3eachesBay Leaves
¾cupTomato Paste
tablespoonChicken Base (See note)
½cupWater
¼cupCilantro, fresh, chopped
2tablespoonsEpazote, chopped
1eachSalt to taste
1eachWhite pepper to taste
2eachesChicken breasts, cook & dice
1eachChopped Avocado
1eachCorn Tortilla strips, fried
1eachShredded Monterey Jack

Directions

Garnish Notes: Chicken breasts should be cooked and diced.

In large Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil. Add garlic and 8 chopped corn tortillas. Saute until tender. Add onion puree, tomato puree, cayenne pepper, cumin, bay leaves, tomato paste, chicken base and water. Simmer 20 minutes. Add chopped cilantro and epazote. Remove Bay leaves. Blend mixture briefly in food processor.

Strain through colander.

Adjust seasoning if necessary. Add salt and pepper to taste.

To serve, spoon a portion of soup in individual serving bowls.. Garnish with diced chicken, avocado, fried tortilla strips and cheese. Serve immediately.

Makes 8-10 6-ounce servings.

NOTE: TONE's chicken soup base was found at Sam's Wholesale Club in San Antonio.....

Recipe from Arlene Lightsey's column, "Chefs' Secrets", 5 DEC 90 Zinfandeli's is located at 741 W. Ashby Place, San Antonio, Texas.