Sopa de Tortilla from Pappasito's Cantina features a flavorful blend of roasted tomatoes, pasilla peppers, and tender chicken, topped with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado slices, and melted cheese, offering a hearty and vibrant Mexican soup experience.
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Blender or immersion blender
- Tongs
- Ladle
- Skillet or frying pan
- Paper towels
- Oven mitts
- Soup bowls
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 2 pasilla peppers
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 6 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 avocado
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro
Ensure you roast the tomatoes and pasilla peppers properly to unlock their rich, smoky flavors crucial for authentic Sopa de Tortilla. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and quality boneless, skinless chicken breast to achieve the soup's tender texture and vibrant taste. When frying the corn tortillas, maintain a medium-high heat for crispy, golden tortilla strips without excessive oil absorption. Season the broth with ground cumin, dried oregano, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to enhance the aromatic depth of the soup. Your homemade Sopa de Tortilla from Pappasito's Cantina copycat menu will deliver a hearty and authentic Mexican dining experience.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice tomatoes and pasilla peppers in half; remove seeds from peppers.
- Place tomatoes and pasilla peppers on a baking sheet; roast for 20-25 minutes until soft and charred.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in large pot over medium heat.
- Chop onion and mince garlic.
- Add onion to pot; sauté 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic; sauté 1 minute.
- Transfer roasted tomatoes and peppers to blender; blend until smooth.
- Add tomato-pepper puree to pot with onions and garlic; stir well.
- Stir in chicken broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, and bay leaves.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to pot; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken; shred into bite-size pieces.
- Return shredded chicken to pot; simmer 5 more minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice corn tortillas into thin strips.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet; fry tortilla strips in batches until crispy.
- Drain tortilla strips on paper towels; season lightly with salt.
- Dice avocado and cut lime into wedges.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls.
- Top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro; serve with lime wedges.
Substitution
Sopa de Tortilla from Pappasito's Cantina copycat menu captures the essence of authentic Mexican flavors with roasted tomatoes, pasilla peppers, and tender chicken. If pasilla peppers are difficult to find, you can substitute with poblano or Anaheim peppers for a similar mild heat and smoky flavor. When frying the tortilla strips, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil to achieve crispiness without burning. If you prefer a lighter option, bake the tortilla strips in the oven instead of frying them. Remember to adjust seasoning and taste throughout your cooking process to ensure your soup matches your flavor preference.
Tips
Remember to remove the seeds from pasilla peppers before roasting to avoid unwanted bitterness in your Sopa de Tortilla. Be careful when frying tortilla strips; use medium heat and fry in small batches to ensure they become crispy without burning. When shredding the cooked chicken, use tongs to handle the hot meat safely and evenly. You'll enhance your soup's flavor by seasoning the tortilla strips and adjusting salt and pepper levels in the broth to your taste.
Nutritions
Sopa de Tortilla from Pappasito's Cantina provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, with lean protein from chicken breast supporting muscle health and recovery. The roasted pasilla peppers and tomatoes contribute antioxidants like vitamins A and C, boosting your immune system and promoting skin health. Healthy fats from avocado slices complement the dish while adding creamy texture and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Crispy tortilla strips add carbohydrates for energy, making this soup a satisfying and nutritious choice for your meals.
Storage
Store leftover Sopa de Tortilla in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. To prevent the tortilla strips from becoming soggy, keep them separate and add just before serving. You can also freeze the soup without toppings for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap pasilla peppers with ancho or guajillo peppers for a different smoky flavor profile. For a vegetarian variation, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth with sauteed mushrooms or roasted corn for added texture. Instead of frying, bake the tortilla strips at 375degF (190degC) for a lighter, less oily topping. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the soup enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the original recipe.
Allergies
Sopa de Tortilla from Pappasito's Cantina contains several common allergens including dairy from the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and potential nightshade sensitivities due to tomatoes, pasilla peppers, and chili spices. Corn tortillas may also trigger responses in individuals with corn allergies. To ensure your safety, verify each ingredient against your specific allergies before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Sopa de Tortilla at Pappasito's Cantina is beloved for its rich, smoky flavor, combining roasted tomatoes, chilies, and crispy tortilla strips that create a perfect harmony of textures. The soup's authentic Mexican spices and fresh ingredients deliver a comforting yet vibrant taste that captures the essence of traditional cuisine. Your copycat version lets you recreate this iconic dish at home, ensuring the same bold flavors and satisfying experience without waiting for a restaurant visit. Making it yourself offers the opportunity to customize spice levels and ingredients to perfectly suit your palate.