Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ok here's an easy one to start with.  Have patience with me as I'm still figuring out how to work this thing:)

I found the recipe on this site:

http://kitchencents.com/articles/soups-and-stews-for-the-freezer/

I modified the recipe slightly.  Here's what I used.

Ingredients:

 1 tsp olive oil

 1 c chopped onion

 2 garlic cloves, minced

 2 cup shredded chicken breast

 1 c frozen corn

 1 tsp cumin

 1-1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

 1/2 tsp chili powder

 32 oz chicken broth(I made my own!)

 1 14.5 oz can diced peeled tomatoes (do not drain)

 1 10.75 oz can condensed tomato soup undiluted

Salt and pepper to taste

First off, here's instructions on how to make your own chicken broth.  I love doing this because: 

1. It saves money.

2. Its really easy if you are going to cook chicken anyway.

3.  You can control what goes into it.  I try to watch the salt content of dishes I make so this is a great way to do it.  Also if you like a particular spice in your broth you can add that too.

 I got bone in, skinless breasts, but you can use whatever kind of chicken you like or whatever is the best sale that week.  First, make sure to select a pot that will be deep enough so when you cover the chicken with water it will be submerged.  Second, put your chicken the pot.  Third, chop an onion in quarters and add that to the pot.   Feel free to add carrots, celery, and other root vegetables for more flavor also.   Then add some spices.  I like a little salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves.  Cover the chicken with water and bring to a simmer.  Do not boil it but just let it gently simmer until the chicken is cooked.  The time will depend on what kind of chicken you are using.  Just make sure the chicken is firm to the touch and the juices are clear.  (I tend to play it safe and cut it with a knife a little to check.)  Once the chicken is cooked take it out to cool.  Strain the broth.  Now you have lots of good chicken stock to use!  Refrigerate any unused portion.  It should keep for about a week.

Making chicken broth

Now that you have the chicken cooked and some chicken broth, here is how you make the soup.

1.  Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.  

2.  Add onion and garlic; saute for 2 min.  

3.  Stir in pulled chicken.  Note:  I find it easiest to pull the chicken by hand.  Just make sure you wait till it is cooled off!!  You can also use two forks.

4.  Then add the rest of the ingredients

5.  Bring to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 1 hour.

The soup in action

To freeze, put  soup into freezer containers.  Note:  Make sure not to overfill the containers as the contents will expand when frozen.  To reheat,  place the soup in a pot, bring to boil and simmer for about 30 minutes.  Add the soup to dinner bowls and top with tortilla chips,  sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, hot peppers, green onions or whatever toppings float your boat!

The Finished Product!!

That was easy right?  I used four chicken breasts and made four containers this size of soup.  The containers have twist on tops so they are very secure.  This is a good meal to give to a friend or family member or just to keep on hand for those nights when you don't feel like cooking.