Tortilla Soup

    Ole! Tortilla Soup - a soup everyone can get on board with.  This is a simple recipe that packs a big punch.  It is a great vegetarian dinner choice!

Ingredients:
Serves 6
1 yellow onion
3 cloves garlic
6 cups water
2 cubes vegetable bullion
1 15 oz can of black beans (drain the liquid)
1 1/2 cups corn
1 23 oz can of crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup rice

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Ingredients Continued
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 anaheim pepper (or the pepper of your choice)
1 bunch of fresh cilantro

1 avocado
sour cream
3 flour tortillas
butter

Optional: Chicken thighs and chicken bullion (to substitute of vegetable)

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   Heat a bit of butter in a dutch oven, or soup pot.  Chop the onion coarsely and sauté at medium heat.  While the onion cook, peel and chop three large cloves of garlic.  Add this to the pan.  If you want to include chicken in this recipe add it now and brown the sides.  Before adding water remove the chicken and chop it, then return it to the pot.  The chicken does not need to be completely cooked.  Continue to cook until the edges of the onion begin to brown.  
    Add in 6 cups of water and cubes of bullion.  Add in corn, black beans, and crushed tomatoes.  Bring this to a simmer and then reduce heat.  
     Add in rice.  Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and oregano.  Finely chop the anaheim pepper and seeds and add to the soup.  Chop and add a handful of cilantro leaves, discard the stems.  Place a lid on the soup and cook for 20 minutes.  
    

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While soup is simmering prepare the toppings.  Chop another handful of cilantro leaves and discard the stems.  Slice 1 avocado in half, remove the seed.  While still in the skin make thin slices in the avocado.  Chop three tortillas into thin strips.  Add a bit of butter to a sauce pan and brown the tortillas.  
     Serve soup into bowls.  Sprinkle tortilla strips on the soup.  Spread a few slices of avocado, then add a dollop of sour cream.  Lastly sprinkle the cilantro on top! Enjoy the warm cozy feeling you'll get when eating and the wonderful smell in your house! 

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