The Mansion's Tortilla Soup

* Exported from MasterCook Mac *

The Mansion's Tortilla Soup

Recipe By : Dean Fearing/ Mansion on Turtle Creek/tpogue@idsonline.com
Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Main Dishes Soups And Stews
Texas Southwestern

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 tablespoons corn oil
4 corn tortillas -- coarsely chopped
6 cloves garlic -- finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh epazote -- chopped
(or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro)
1 cup fresh onion puree
2 cups fresh tomato puree
1 tablespoon cumin powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 whole bay leaves
4 tablespoons canned tomato puree
2 quarts chicken stock
salt -- to taste
cayenne pepper -- to taste
1 cooked chicken breast -- cut in strips
1 avocado -- peel, seed & cube
1 cup Cheddar cheese -- shredded
3 corn tortillas, cut in strips -- fried crisp

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Saute tortillas with garlic and epazote over medium heat until tortillas are
soft. Add onion and fresh tomato puree and bring to a boil. Add cumin, chili
powder, bay leaves, canned tomato puree, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil
again, then reduce heat to simmer. Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste and
cook, stirring frequently, for 30 minutes. Skim fat from surface, if
necessary.

Strain and pour into warm soup bowls. Garnish each bowl with an equal portion
of chicken breast, avocado, shredded cheese, and crisp tortilla strips. Serve
immediately.

Soup may be made one day ahead and gently reheated before serving with
garnishes.

Chef's Note: This soup has been on the menu at the restaurant at The Mansion
on Turtle Creek since it opened in 1985. According to executive chef Dean
Fearing, "When Tortilla Soup is ordered, it is brought to the table in a
tureen for individual service by the waiter, who garnishes each bowl according
to the customer's desire."





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Per serving (excluding unknown items): 192 Calories; 13g Fat (66% calories
from fat); 6g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 15mg Cholesterol; 2266mg Sodium

NOTES : This hearty soup is served as a "Starter" at the Mansion. It is
equally suitable on warm spring days as well as cold winter nights. It has
been on The Mansion's menu for over ten years.