Sopa de Tortilla

Embark on a culinary journey to Mexico with the tantalizing flavors of Sopa de Tortilla. This spicy tomato soup, adorned with the zing of fresh lime juice, aromatic cilantro, and the warmth of dried poblano chiles, offers a fiesta of flavors that ignite the senses. From the sizzle of blisters on poblano chiles to the comforting crunch of fried corn tortilla strips, this dish is a celebration of Mexican cuisine at its finest. The fusion of traditional ingredients and contemporary techniques creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate, bringing to life the vibrant essence of Mexican culinary heritage.

SERVES 4
PREP 15 MIN
COOK 50 MIN
FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS
AT THE END OF STEP 2

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1⁄2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1lb (450g) tomatoes, peeled
• 11⁄2 quarts (1.5 liters) chicken stock or vegetable stock
• 1 or 2 dried poblano chiles, seeded
• 2 soft corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3oz (85g) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 limes, cut into wedges, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin your Mexican culinary adventure by heating 1 tbsp of sunflower oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 5 minutes, until it takes on a softened and inviting demeanor. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, allowing its aromatic essence to envelop the mixture. Utilize the power of blending to create a smooth tomato-onion puree by combining the sautéed ingredients with the peeled tomatoes in a blender.
2. Introduce the tantalizing tomato-onion puree to the saucepan, allowing it to simmer gracefully for 8–10 minutes while you stir with anticipation. Incorporate the chicken stock or vegetable stock to the mixture, bringing it to a harmonious boil. As the flavors meld and the essence of tomatoes dances with the stock, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer partially covered for 15 minutes or until it thickens into a delightful consistency.
3. Embark on a dance of flavors by placing a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Embrace the dried poblano chiles, allowing them to flirt with the pan’s surface until they transform into blistered beauties. Once they’ve acquired their characteristic blisters, flip them to achieve the same effect on the other side. With a triumphant smile, cut the chiles into small pieces and set them aside for their moment of glory.
4. Elevate the experience by heating the remaining sunflower oil in the frying pan until it reaches sizzling heights. In a procession of batches, introduce the soft corn tortilla strips to the oil, allowing them to sizzle and transform into crispy perfection. As they emerge with a newfound crunch, let them rest on a bed of paper towels to remove any excess oil.
5. As the crescendo of flavors builds, bring the spotlight back to the soup. Just before the moment of enchantment, add the blistery poblano chiles to the mixture. Allow them to join the symphony of flavors as they simmer for 3 minutes, gradually softening under the spotlight of heat. Embrace the fresh vitality of chopped cilantro and invigorating lime juice, incorporating them into the mixture and seasoning it with the magic of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. As the curtain rises on the final act, divide the toasted tortilla strips among four soup bowls, their crisp texture hinting at the culinary experience that awaits. With a flourish, ladle the vibrant Sopa de Tortilla into each bowl, bestowing upon it the honor of the main stage. Complete the performance with a captivating finale—sprinkling grated Gruyère cheese atop each bowl, letting it melt into the masterpiece below.
7. In this culinary fiesta, every guest is invited to savor the vibrancy of Mexico. Serve your Sopa de Tortilla with wedges of lime, allowing each diner to add a squeeze of zesty delight to their own creation. With every spoonful, let the boldness of flavors transport you to the bustling streets of Mexico, where tradition and innovation unite in a dance of culinary brilliance.

Sopa de Tortilla is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine in a symphony of flavors. From the blistered poblano chiles to the crisp tortilla strips and the tang of lime, every element harmonizes to create an unforgettable dining experience. As you savor each spoonful, let the warmth of the dried chiles and the rich tomato base transport you to the heart of Mexico’s culinary heritage. With every bite, you’ll uncover a story that celebrates the fusion of tradition and innovation in a vibrant and flavorful bowl of soup.