Chicken Tortilla Soup, Revisited

Chicken Tortilla Soup, Revisited

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 1 3 lb. chicken, giblets removed
• water, enough to cover chicken for boiling and create at least 6 cups of stock
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
• 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes (I used fire-roasted)
• 4 oz. can diced green chiles
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. Adobo seasoning (I purchase this brand) 
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• pinch cayenne pepper, to taste

To garnish:

• sharp Cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese
• fresh cilantro, chopped
• sour cream
• green onions, sliced
• avocado, sliced
• tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Place chicken in a large pot. Cover with water (at least 8 cups) and bring to a boil. Boil for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
2. Take the pot off of the stove. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Strain the stock and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once the chicken has cooled, remove the meat from the bones. Store the stock and chicken meat in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them (can be several hours or overnight). Before using the stock, skim the fat off the surface. Shred or dice the chicken before use.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook for about a minute. Stir in the Adobo, cumin, chili powder, and paprika and cook for another minute. Add 6 cups of chicken stock, the black beans, corn, tomatoes (I dumped in one can of beans whole and pureed the second in a blender for a creamier consistency.), green chilies, and chicken.
4. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and cayenne. 
5. Serve hot and garnish with a selection of Cheddar or Monterrey Jack, fresh cilantro, sour cream, green onions, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Source: ahintofhoney