Tortilla soup was one of the meals that I would ask my mom to make, growing up. It’s a soup that I’ve missed since forgoing chicken. Recently, Pinch of Yum posted a recipe for a Jalepeño Lime Chicken Soup that was right down my alley…..except for the chicken part. I was inspired, and have created a version that is compliant and super delicious. If you love Mexican flavors like tomatillos, cilantro, crunchy and salty chips, a twist of lime and a little heat just to make your nose start to run a little…..this is for you! (I realize that this may be a pretty small niche, but oh well! As part of that market, I know they’ll appreciate it!)
What makes this soup such a keeper (besides being addictingly delicious) is that it’s very quick and has a short ingredient list. It’s all very nutritious except for those tortilla chips. I know they’re not good for you, but we’re just not at the point where we’re ready to give them up. If you are, just skip them to make this 100% oil-free.
Don’t be scared to make this when you see that there is indeed an ENTIRE JAR OF SALSA in the soup. Some people will be attracted to that (you know those people who drink salsa out of a cup…..oh you don’t? As an Arizona native, I confirm to you there are those people. There are two in my family.) This is a little spicy, but it’s not overbearing. My husband said it wasn’t spicy at all, but I’d say it’s a 3 out of 5 on the heat scale. It clears the sinuses in the best way possible. Can’t wait to hear how you like this—we love it!
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A quick and easy soup recipe with a little heat and a lot of flavor.
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 jalepeños, seeds removed and minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 16-oz jar salsa verde (I use the Herdez brand that is less than $2)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 cans white beans (Canellini or Great Northern)
- 2 cups cooked rice, wild rice, or quinoa
- 2 limes
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- tortilla chips
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In a soup pot, cook red onions and jalepeños on medium-high heat. When the bottom of the pot starts to turn brown, deglaze the pan by adding a few tablespoons of water at a time. Cook about 5 minutes until onions appear soft.
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Add vegetable broth, salsa verde, cumin, white beans, and rice or quinoa. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes, until fragrant and heated through.
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Remove from heat and squeeze the juice of one lime into the soup. Cut the other lime into wedges and use as a garnish so each person can squeeze additional lime juice as desired.
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Taste the soup and add additional salt as necessary (it depends on how salty your vegetable broth is, but I usually add about another 1/2 tsp).
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Eat with tortilla chips and cilantro on top.
Be careful while mincing your jalepeños--you may want to use gloves or put your hand in a plastic bag, as they can kind of burn your hands. I just try to touch the outer waxy layer only and I'm usually fine.
Just made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious! My kids liked it too. Great flavors. I’ll definitely be making it again. I’m so grateful to be able to follow along with your recipes. We’ve been trying to switch to a more plant-based diet and your recipes have been so helpful. Thank you for sharing and I hope you’re doing well!
Katy, it’s so good to hear from you!! I’m so glad you liked this soup. You’re the second mom who has told me her kids liked it!
This recipe was delicious and definitely a keeper! I made it in a crockpot and just cooked the rice in it with everything else. So so good 😊 !
A crockpot is great idea! I’m so thrilled to hear you enojoyed it as much as we do!
This was extremely satisfying for a cold winter day! All the flavors come together beautifully. Thanks for another great recipe, Faith!
Great recipe! My husband loved it. I came out a little too thick. I let it simmer for 10 minutes, next time I’ll do 5. I loved the tip about putting your hand in a plastic bag. I always get “spicy hands” after working with jalapeños, and I have a newborn. Excited to try more recipes to expand our dinner options.
Thank you so much for the helpful comment, Aimee! You can add more broth if you’d like to make it thinner. So glad to see you here!