Chicken Tortilla Soup - Sopa de Tortilla con Pollo

**A Delicious Journey: Exploring the Flavors of Mexico**

As we embark on this culinary journey, I want to take you through the process of making a delicious and hearty Mexican-inspired soup that's sure to warm your belly and your soul. We'll start by creating a rich and flavorful broth, the foundation of our dish.

I'm gonna add 3/4 cup of cold water, give it a good stir, and let the magic begin. Stirring is an important step in this process, as it helps to combine all the ingredients evenly. I like to think that being ambidextrous comes in handy when stirring, but even if you're right-handed or left-handed, it's essential to get into the zone and mix everything together thoroughly. The broth needs to be thickened just a little, not too much, as we want to maintain its rich and velvety texture.

Now that our broth is coming along nicely, let's talk about the stars of the show: tortillas! We can use either corn or flour tortillas, whichever you prefer. If you're feeling adventurous, you can mix and match both types for a unique flavor profile. Simply cut up your tortillas into bite-sized pieces and fry them until they're crispy. This is where the magic happens, folks! The crunch of the fried tortilla chips adds a delightful texture to our soup.

While our tortilla chips are frying, let's take a moment to taste the broth. It needs just a pinch of salt and pepper, perhaps some additional spices to enhance its flavor. We're using Red River Ranch original, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Our broth has come a long way, folks! The smokiness from the chipotle peppers pairs perfectly with the onion and garlic, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.

As we continue to prepare our soup, let's not forget about the protein and other essential ingredients. We're using chicken, black beans, and all the fixings to make this dish truly special. Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as queso fresco, sour cream, avocado, or even a dollop of salsa.

Before we dive into the finished product, I want to share with you what this cooking journey means to me. As a food enthusiast, I'm passionate about celebrating the rich history and cultural heritage behind different cuisines. Food has a way of bringing people together, and that's exactly what I aim to do here in my kitchen. From family gatherings to casual dinner parties, sharing delicious meals is an essential part of building connections and creating lasting memories.

Now, let's see how our Beagle friend approves of these crispy fried tortilla chips! *Beagle taste test* Ah, it seems like he gives them two paws up! These crunchy little morsels are the perfect accompaniment to our soup. They add a delightful textural element and a burst of flavor that complements our dish perfectly.

As we take our first spoonfuls of this delicious soup, I want you to remember that eating is not just about sustenance; it's also about community, love, and connection. Share your meals with others, savor each bite, and let the flavors transport you to a world of delight. And don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more cooking adventures, behind-the-scenes stories, and recipes that'll make your taste buds dance!

We'd like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our veterans and all our servicemen and women who keep our country safe and free from harm. Your sacrifices are not forgotten, and we're honored to be able to share our passion for food with you.

And so, as we conclude this culinary journey, remember that cooking is a labor of love. It's about experimenting with flavors, exploring new ingredients, and sharing the joy of delicious meals with others. We hope you've enjoyed this ride with us, and we can't wait to see what's next!