I am a huge lover of soup; it surprises me when I hear some people are not. I think of soup/chowder and stew as a warm hug in a bowl. There are endless possibilities you can combine to make a yummy pot of soup, you can add milk and/or cream for chowder, clear broth to make a light soup or combine cream and broth to make your light soup a little creamy like creamy tomato soup. I think I will make that today with the tomatoes from my garden.

After a long day of Christmas shopping on Friday – Yup I said it; it was only for the “typical” PJ’s, socks etc. (I am going to try and spread out the money pain over a few months) items for the fam. While eating my grilled chicken sandwich I overheard the person sitting next to me ordering Chicken Tortilla Soup – So for the rest of the day all I wanted was a bowl Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Guess what I did when I got home; of course after hiding all the loot! It was a huge hit; my guys and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It comes together pretty quick and tastes great straight away; you know how some things taste better the next day; this one is d’lish now and if you happen to have some leftover for the next day I am sure it tastes just a great; we wouldn’t know!

2 Tbs olive oil

1 medium onion diced

2 Tbs minced garlic

2-4 Jalapeno’s (depending on how spicy you want it) seeded and finely diced

6 cups chicken broth (homemade if you have it)

1 28 oz. can San Marzano peeled tomatoes–while pouring out the tomatoes squeeze them into the pot to help break them up.

1-2 cans black beans – rinsed and drained

2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 limes juiced

Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper

Cilantro leaves

1 flour tortilla grilled and cut into strips or use tortilla chips crumbled

1 avocado, pitted, sliced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dollop of sour cream

In a large saucepan heat the oil till warm, add the onions until they softened; about 3 minutes. Add garlic and jalapenos cook for another minute. Add broth, tomatoes and beans and bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer and add the chicken breast. Cook the chicken for about 20-25 minutes. Once chicken is cooked remove from the pot. When cool enough to handle; shred it and set aside. Add lime juice and the cilantro to the pot.  In a bowl add a mound of chicken. Ladle soup over chicken and with tortilla strips, avocado slices, cheese and sour cream. YUP hug in a bowl!!!