Frequently Asked Questions
What is Robust Chicken Tortilla Soup?
It is a hearty soup featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices, inspired by the Neiman Marcus Cafe dish.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved Chicken Tortilla Soup served at the Neiman Marcus Cafe.
How much soup does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields approximately one gallon of soup, making it ideal for meal prep or large families.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup includes red and yellow onions, celery, carrots, and both green and red bell peppers.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
The vegetables should be sautéed in melted butter for about 7-10 minutes until they are tender.
When should I add the garlic and taco seasoning?
Stir in the chopped garlic and taco seasoning after the vegetables have softened, and cook for another 2 minutes.
What kind of chicken is used?
The recipe calls for one pound of cooked and chopped chicken breast.
How many tortillas are needed?
The recipe requires 6 soft corn tortillas which should be shredded before adding to the pot.
What is the purpose of the corn tortillas in the soup?
The shredded corn tortillas soften and blend into the soup to provide flavor and thickness.
How long does the soup simmer after adding the chicken stock?
The soup should simmer for 15 minutes after adding the stock, chicken, and shredded tortillas.
What type of tomatoes are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 4 to 6 chopped roma tomatoes.
When do I add the cilantro and cheese spread?
Add the chopped roma tomatoes, cilantro, and cheddar cheese spread after the initial 15-minute simmer.
How long is the second simmer stage?
After adding the tomatoes, cilantro, and cheese, the soup should simmer for 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Why is baking soda added to the soup?
Baking soda is added to the mixture to help balance flavors and it will cause the soup to foam briefly.
When is the heavy cream added?
Add the heavy cream once the foaming from the baking soda has subsided.
How long is the final simmer?
After adding the heavy cream, simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes.
What is the best garnish for this soup?
The soup is best served garnished with crispy baked tortilla strips for added crunch.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 pound of unsalted butter.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 750 calories per serving of this soup.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 45.8g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 53.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 25g of protein.
How much chicken stock is used?
The recipe requires 1.5 quarts of chicken stock.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic.
What kind of cheese is in the recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 3/4 ounce of cheddar cheese spread.
How much heavy cream is needed?
One pint of heavy cream is used in this recipe.
Is this soup considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a hearty soup ideal for family gatherings.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include soup, chicken tortilla soup, Mexican cuisine, and easy recipe.
How many ingredients are in the soup?
There are 17 different ingredients used to make this soup.
What type of onions are used?
The recipe uses a combination of one small red onion and one small yellow onion.