Soup Days

These cool blustery days are made for cooking. I feel fidgety and uneasy if I am not in the kitchen with something delicious bubbling away on the stove. I love making pureed vegetable soups, like mushroom and tomato, but today I am in the mood for something else. Today, I will make tortilla soup. This recipe is very simple and easy but with additional ingredients it becomes quite the hearty dish. This soup is good for a crowd because you can let everyone individualize their soup with garnishes. Also, if you are trying to watch your waist line, soups are a great option because you swallow air as you eat which fills your tummy faster! Here goes:

1/2 cup chopped onion
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
sprinkle of salt, plus more to taste
4 cups chicken stock
28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1 1/2 cup frozen corn (you can use canned corn, but I find it tastes tinny. Yes, that is a bit snobby, I have been told that many times.)
tortilla chips (make it easy on yourself, store bought! See? I am not a complete snob)
1 cup shredded Jack and/or Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Other garnishes:
diced red onion
sour cream
sliced avocado
lime wedges
shredded chicken (why not buy the pre-cooked chicks? I won't tell!)
minced jalapenos or serrano peppers
hot sauce

In a saucepan heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, stir frequently and cook until translucent. Next add minced garlic and a sprinkle of salt. After about a minute, add chicken stock and tomatoes. Crumble the Mexican oregano with your fingers and add that to your pot. Raise heat to high and once soup begins to simmer reduce to low heat. Let cook for 30-45 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, more salt no doubt. Add corn (and shredded chicken if you want) and cook until corn and chicken are heated through. Heat bowls in a low oven (why put hot soup in cold bowls?). Put some chips in the bottom of each bowl and ladle in soup. Sprinkle with cheese, cilantro and serve. Offer additional garnishes at the table. This should serve about 6 people very well!
I hope this warms and nourishes you. Let me know what you think! Thanks!