How do I love thee, Chicken Tortilla Soup?

I H.A.T.E.D. soup growing up. Could it have been because my mother was a horrible cook and her idea of cooking soup was dumping different canned vegetables in a pot and adding spaghetti noodles? Possibly.

Then I grew up. I think my love of soup began when I first ate my stepmother's shrimp and corn soup. Mama Laura has tried to tell me how to make it several times, but I am afraid of it tasting like shrimp water, so I haven't attempted it. Instead, I have her make it every time she comes to visit and I freeze it and ration it out.

The soup I do make? The Lazy Organizer's Chicken Tortilla Soup. I could eat this stuff a few times a week. I make it nearly every week anyway. It's cheap and delicious and full of flavor! Seriously. Sometimes I only use one chicken breast for a pot of soup and you can't tell the difference! The recipe does call for two cups of heavy cream, but I don't exactly do that. I'll tell you my secret: I use one cup of half and half and one cup of skim or 1% or 2% milk, depending on whatever we are using that week. I think I also add a lot more garlic, onions and bell pepper than she does because that's how I roll, baby.

On to the recipe!

Chicken Tortilla Soup
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
1/2 large onion, chopped
2 cups water
3 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup salsa
1/2 -1 cup frozen corn
1 can black beans, rinsed
1-2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
cumin powder (I don't measure, keep adding and tasting, it's probably a T. or two)
chili powder ( I don't measure, keep adding and tasting, it's probably a T. or two)
2 tablespoons corn starch
1 cup cold water
fresh cilantro, torn
tortilla chips
1 fresh lime
grated cheese

Saute garlic, green pepper and onion in a tablespoon of olive oil until soft. Add water, bouillon, cream, salsa, corn, chicken, and spices until boiling. Stir corn starch into cold water and add to soup slowly. After it’s thickened add fresh cilantro and lime juice. Serve hot with tortilla chips and grated cheese.

Maybe it's just me and the way I cook, but I always have these ingredients on hand. I am also a fan of soup and salad in the summer. If I don't have to turn on my oven in the summer, I am a happy camper.

Enjoy!

P.S. Mom, when are you coming to visit? I need some shrimp and corn soup for the freezer! J.D. and I also have a woodworking project for Dad for our sun room.