:: Thursday's Recipe Rodeo ::

This week flew by! It is Thursday already and that means recipe time! This is the place to get some new recipes or maybe even a twist on an old one. Feel free to take any recipe here and use it as you please. If you want to join in on the Recipe Rodeo, let me know! I would love to try some of your recipes too!

Today's Roundup: South of the Border

We have had a bit of rain in these parts which makes me want to make warm, hearty soups. Last week's chili was such a big hit and I was able to find the perfect tweaks the first time around, however the following recipe took me a few months to perfect. It is easy, delicious and the perfect rainy day food. If you need an idea for an easy meal that could be delivered to a friend, this one is perfect!
Nini's Tortilla Soup

* 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
* 1 Cup carrots, diced
* 1 Cup celery, diced
* 1 white onion, diced
* 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
* 1 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. black pepper
* 2 Tbsp. Vegetable oil
* 40 ozs. chicken broth (I use low sodium - 1 1/2 boxes, amount can vary upon how runny you like your soup)
* 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
* 1 can black beans, drained
* 1 can diced tomatoes
* 1 can Rotel tomatoes and chilies (I use mild)
* 1 1.25 oz. packet of normal taco seasoning
* 5-6 corn tortillas, cut into small squares
* 1 Cup of milk
* 8 ozs. Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

Cook chicken, (either bake in oven for 35 minutes or boil for 10 minutes) and cube.

In large soup pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Saute onion, carrots, celery, garlic powder, salt and pepper until tender (approx. 3-4 minutes). Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, corn, black beans, taco seasoning and chicken.

Cut corn tortillas into little squares and add to pot. Let boil/simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until tortillas are completely incorporated into soup (they will melt into the soup and thicken it up a bit). Stir occasionally to avoid sticking to the bottom. *For thicker soup add more tortillas*

Reduce heat and add shredded cheese. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often. Add milk and simmer for additional 10 minutes.

Serve with sour cream, avocados, shredded cheese or broken up tortilla chips on top! ENJOY!If you want to join in on your own blog, simply link back to this blog and mention that you are partaking in Thursday's Recipe Rodeo, let me know in the comments you are joining so we can visit your blog, or if you don't have a blog and want to share a recipe with us - leave it in the comments! Click here for a printable version of Nini's Tortilla Soup