Chicken Tortilla Soup

Hello Blogger world! I've missed you! I do hope all of your holiday's was as peaceful and blessed as mine. We stayed fairly busy and on the go the later part of our vacation. But I'm back! I have been cooking up a storm and reserving several recipes to share with you.

Unfortunatley the weather down here in the deep South has not been amenable. One day it is warm, almost Spring like, the next rainy and dreary and the following cold, windy and bitter. This has been a pattern though; so since today it is rainy, I can suffice to say tomorrow will be bitterly cold and windy?. Does this set the tone for this coming year? Unpredictable? I'd like to rely on the old adage, "God is in control." And He is! So in the spirit of uncertainty, but faithful, let's focus on the fact that it is Winter and I will share with you a light and satisfying soup. Chicken Tortilla Soup. This is loaded with protein and fiber. All those good things you want to put into your body at the start of each new year! Or, if you are not as concerned about your waistline, make sure to top the soup off with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, YUM! This recipe feeds about 4-6 people, depending on the hunger level of the individuals!

 

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 box 34 oz. Low Sodium Chicken Broth
2 cups water
1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes, do not drain
1 large chicken breast, cooked (I baked mine)
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tbsp. half-n-half
1 1/2 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. white pepper (regular will work just as well)
2 tbsp. Chipotle Tabasco sauce
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can whole kernal corn
Fresh Cilantro, for garnish and added flavor
Tortilla strips, for garnish

In a large saucepan or dutch oven, combine ALL ingredients, minus black beans and cilantro. Bring to a boil and reduce to low heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add beans the last 10 minutes. Scoop into individual bowls and garnish with cilantro and tortilla strips. Remember: sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese is great on top, too!