Tortilla soup facts for kids
Tortilla soup (called sopa de tortilla in Spanish) is a yummy and traditional Mexican soup. It's made with pieces of fried corn tortillas. These crispy pieces are put into a warm broth. The broth is usually made from tomatoes, garlic, and onions. It also has a special mild chili called chile de árbol and a herb called epazote.
When you eat tortilla soup, it often comes with tasty toppings. These can include pieces of mild pasilla chiles, crispy fried pork rinds (called chicharrón), creamy avocado slices, small cubes of fresh cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
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What is Tortilla Soup?
Tortilla soup is a popular and comforting dish from Mexico. It is known for its rich flavor and interesting textures. The main parts of the soup are the crispy tortilla strips and the flavorful broth.
The Broth
The broth is the heart of tortilla soup. It is usually a chicken broth. This broth is mixed with roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Sometimes, mild chiles are added to give it a little bit of heat and a smoky flavor. The chile de árbol is a common choice. It adds a gentle warmth without being too spicy. The herb epazote gives the soup a unique, earthy taste.
The Tortillas
The tortillas used in the soup are cut into thin strips. Then, they are fried until they are golden and crispy. These crispy strips are added to the soup just before serving. They give the soup a nice crunch that goes well with the soft broth and other toppings.
Where Does Tortilla Soup Come From?
The exact beginning of tortilla soup is not fully known. However, it is believed to have come from the Mexico City area in Mexico. This soup has been a part of Mexican cooking for a long time. It shows how simple ingredients can be turned into a delicious and satisfying meal.
How is Tortilla Soup Made?
Making traditional tortilla soup involves a few steps:
- First, a flavorful broth is prepared. This often includes cooking chicken with vegetables like onions, garlic, and herbs.
- Next, tomatoes, onions, and garlic are roasted. This brings out their sweet and smoky flavors. These roasted ingredients are then blended with some of the chicken broth and the chile de árbol to make a smooth sauce.
- The tortilla strips are prepared by cutting corn tortillas into thin pieces. These pieces are then fried until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Finally, the sauce is added to the chicken broth. The soup is heated, and the epazote herb is often added for its special flavor.
Variations of Tortilla Soup
While there is a traditional way to make tortilla soup, there are also some different versions.
- Some recipes use a thicker tomato base for the broth. They might even blend some of the ground tortillas into the broth to make it creamier.
- Another variation is a bean soup that has crunchy fried tortilla strips added to it. This gives a different flavor profile but keeps the beloved crispy texture.
No matter the variation, tortilla soup remains a favorite dish. It is enjoyed by many for its comforting taste and satisfying textures.
See also
In Spanish: Sopa de tortilla para niños
