When you head to your favorite Mexican restaurant on a cold day, nothing quite hits the spot like tortilla soup. It’s warm and a little spicy, and you get the satisfying crunch of fried tortillas on top. At Los Primos, our tortilla soup is the perfect thing to start your meal, especially on a cold day.
We love our tortilla soup, but every Mexican restaurant has its own variation on this classic dish. Let’s look at a few of the most common.
Common Ingredients
At the heart of tortilla soup is a flavorful broth, typically crafted with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and an array of aromatic spices. But the key player, of course, is the humble tortilla. Corn tortillas are often cut into strips, fried until crispy, and then used as a garnish for the soup. Other common ingredients include chicken or vegetable broth, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and various toppings like avocado, cheese, cilantro, and lime.
Traditional Variations
Tortilla soup is a versatile dish, and its variations are as diverse as the people that make it. One popular version is the Sopa Azteca, which includes the addition of pasilla chilies, epazote (a Mexican herb), and sometimes even a poached egg. Another twist is the Tortilla Soup with Chipotle, where the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers infuses the broth with a delightful warmth.
Let’s not forget about the vegetarians! Tortilla Soup de Hongos, featuring earthy mushrooms, provides a savory alternative. Seafood enthusiasts can savor the flavors of Tortilla Soup de Mariscos, a seafood-infused version with shrimp, fish, and sometimes even crab.
In the Tex-Mex tradition, Tortilla Soup can take on a heartier form with the addition of ingredients like ground beef, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. This fusion showcases the adaptability of tortilla soup, making it a beloved dish on both sides of the border.
Tortilla Soup at Your Favorite Mexican Restaurant
Tortilla soup’s popularity has transcended borders, finding its way onto menus worldwide. Its appeal lies in the harmonious blend of familiar ingredients, creating a bowl of warmth that resonates with people from diverse culinary backgrounds. Enjoy it at Los Primos, your favorite nearby Mexican restaurant!