Spicy Comfort Tomato-Tortilla Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Spicy Comfort Tomato-Tortilla Soup, inspired by Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill. This hearty and vibrant soup combines the sweetness of overly ripe beef steak tomatoes with the warmth of spices, creating a delightful dish that's perfect for sharing. The addition of crispy fried tortillas, creamy avocado, and sharp white cheddar cheese adds texture and depth, making every spoonful a comforting experience. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a light lunch, this soup is sure to impress friends and family alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
red onion
1 medium (coarsely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
dry white wine
1 cup (none)
beef steak tomatoes
8 overly ripe (seeded and coarsely chopped)
water
enough to cover tomatoes (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
cilantro
to garnish (chopped)
avocado
to garnish (diced)
white cheddar cheese
to garnish (grated)
fried tortilla
to garnish (cut into strips)
Instructions
1
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over high heat until shimmering. Add the coarsely chopped red onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
2
2. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, intensifying the flavor, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3
3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, along with enough water to just cover the tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes become very soft and start to break down.
4
4. Carefully transfer the soup mixture into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, working in batches if necessary. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture a few times to reach your desired consistency.
5
5. Return the pureed soup to the saucepan. Stir in the cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
6. To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of grated white cheddar cheese, a few diced avocado pieces, and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Finish off with crispy fried tortilla strips for added crunch and garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Comfort Tomato-Tortilla Soup?
It is a hearty and vibrant soup that combines the sweetness of overly ripe beef steak tomatoes with the warmth of spices and crispy garnishes.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill.
Is this tomato-tortilla soup vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags provided, this recipe is vegetarian.
How many ingredients are required for this soup?
The recipe requires 13 ingredients in total.
What kind of tomatoes should be used?
The recipe calls for 8 overly ripe beef steak tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped.
What type of wine is used in the recipe?
One cup of dry white wine is used to add flavor to the soup base.
How long should I sauté the red onion?
You should sauté the onion over high heat for about 5-7 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the chopped garlic after the onions have sautéed and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
How much should the white wine reduce?
The liquid should simmer until it has reduced by half, which takes approximately 3-4 minutes.
How much water is added to the tomatoes?
Add enough water to just cover the tomatoes in the saucepan.
How long do the tomatoes need to simmer?
The tomatoes should simmer for about 30 minutes or until they become very soft and break down.
How do I make the soup smooth?
Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth, working in batches if necessary.
Can I make this soup chunky?
Yes, if you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture a few times in the blender instead of blending it fully.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
What final seasonings are used?
The soup is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How long is the final simmer after pureeing?
After pureeing and adding seasonings, simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes.
What kind of cheese is used for garnish?
Grated white cheddar cheese is used to top the soup.
How should the avocado be prepared for serving?
The avocado should be diced and added as a garnish on top of each bowl.
What type of tortillas are used?
Fried tortillas cut into strips are used for added crunch and garnish.
What herb is used to garnish the soup?
Chopped cilantro is used as a fresh garnish.
What oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this soup suitable for a chilly evening?
Yes, it is described as a comfort food perfect for chilly evenings or a light lunch.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, tomato soup, vegetarian, comfort food, spicy, tortilla soup, Bobby Flay, appetizer, and healthy.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 chopped garlic cloves.
What heat setting is used to start the soup?
The olive oil and onions are heated over high heat.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
No, the serving size and servings count are not specified in the provided data.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, one of the tags associated with the recipe is healthy.
How should the red onion be chopped?
The red onion should be coarsely chopped.
What is the preparation for the beef steak tomatoes?
They should be seeded and coarsely chopped before being added to the pan.
Can this soup be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is tagged as an appetizer.