Tortilla soup, legends rancho deluxe

 
                   TORTILLA SOUP,  LEGENDS RANCHO DELUXE
 
 Recipe By     : Legends Rancho Deluxe by chef Michael Hanrahan
 Serving Size  : 8    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Soups
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    1      tablespoon    canola oil
    8      whole         corn tortillas -- cut into 1" strips
    1      cup           onion -- diced
    1 1/2  tablespoons   jalapeno peppers -- seeded
                          -- minced
    5      cloves        garlic -- minced
    1      tablespoon    tomato paste
   42      ounces        canned tomatoes -- undrained
    1      tablespoon    ground cumin
   63      ounces        chicken broth, fat free
    4      whole         corn tortillas -- cut into 1/4" strips
    2      cups          boneless skinless chicken breasts -- cooked
                          -- shredded
    1      cup           avocado -- diced
      1/2  cup           sharp cheddar cheese -- shredded
      1/2  cup           fresh cilantro -- chopped
 
 Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.  Add 1" tortilla 
 pieces - cook 2 minutes or until crisp - stirring occasionally.
 
 Add the onion, jalapeno and garlic - saute 3 minutes.
 
 Add tomato paste and tomatoes - bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes.
 
 Stir in cumn and broth - bring to a boil.  reduce heat to medium and 
 simmer - uncovered - 40 minutes or until reduced to 8 cups.
 
 Place half of soup in a blender - process until smooth - pour into a bowl.  
 Repeat procedure with remaining soup.  Return pureed soup to pan.  Cook over 
 medium-low heat until thoroughly heated.
 
 Arrange tortilla strips in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Bake at 400  
 for 7 minutes or until crisp - set aside.
 
 Divide chicken and avocado evenly amoung 8 soup bowls.  Pour soup into each 
 bowl and top with cheddar cheese, cilantro and tortilla strips.
 
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