Last week I’d come across this recipe in the WaPo and since I had all the ingredients, I decided to give it a try. While the list of ingredients looks rather long, I can assure you that it comes together fairly quickly for such a flavorful meal. Plus you’re only dirtying one pot and the blender jar! 😉
The soup very much reminded me of the vegan Pozole I always order on my stop-over in Ashland whenever I head to California. In case you ever find yourself in this town, be sure to visit the Agave Restaurant. They’ve been around for a very long time and their food and service never disappoint. They also make a very mean Margarita and are closed on Mondays.
Anyway, as I was slurping my tortilla soup I thought that this soup base would also be perfect for a pozole. I will have to explore that option.
The recipe doesn’t require any fancy ingredients other than the chipotle en adobo. Those can be found in most supermarkets near the jarred salsa and canned chilies and are very affordable. Chipotle en adobo are simply smoked jalapeños which are preserved in a spicy tomato sauce. I always have a can in the pantry because I just love that smoky, spicy kick they add to food. I did double up on the veggies from the original recipe, because I don’t think one can eat too many veggies. If that makes the soup a little to thick just add a little more broth to your liking. The soup keeps well for several days and tastes even better reheated.
The perfect One-Bowl-Meal! The Zendog loved it!
Vegan Tortilla Soup
- a little vegetable oil
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 to 3 carrots, cleaned and chopped
- 2 to 3 ribs of celery, washed and sliced
- a few cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can of chopped tomatoes with juices
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of adobo sauce from canned chipotle en adobo
- about 8 oz of coarsely chopped shiitake mushrooms
- 1 to 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ground black pepper
- a little sea salt if needed
- 4 to 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
or 2 cups of your own cooked black beans (recommended) - 1 to 1 1/2 cups corn kernels, frozen or canned
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (I had none and used green onions instead)
safe half of the cilantro for garnish if you are using it - fresh lime juice
Tortilla Soup Topping Recommendations
- chopped ripe avocado
- a few tortilla chips, purchased or homemade
- shredded cheese, dairy or vegan
- thinly sliced green cabbage
- thinly sliced green onions
- pickled jalapeños
In a large soup pot heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat.
Add the carrots, onion, celery and garlic and sauté until fragrant and soft.
Now put the sautéed vegetables, tomatoes and adobo sauce into a blender jar.
Puree until everything’s very smooth.
Next, add a bit more oil to the same soup pot over medium heat.
Add the mushrooms and sauté them until they are soft and getting browned.
Add the oregano, cumin, pepper and a pinch of salt.
Pour the tomato puree into the pot with the mushrooms.
Stir everything together and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.
Add the broth and some lime juice, bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 15 more minutes.
Add the black beans, corn and cilantro and simmer another 15 minutes or so.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more lime juice and salt and pepper if needed.
Serve in individual bowls and let everyone garnish their tortilla soup to their liking.
We love putting some quality tortilla chips into the soup along with
avocado, sliced cabbage, green onions, a little cheese, cilantro and pickled jalapeños.
🙂
in cahoots with muddy boots 
Hey Sabine! This sounds really good. I haven’t made tortilla soup in awhile, so this is my inspiration.
A couple of weeks ago I fixed black bean mole chili. And, of course, there’s a good amount in the freezer. It’s hard to cook small batches of certain things. Oh well, like you said, it’s always better a few days later. Have a great week!
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The tortilla soup was yummy, and your black bean mole chili sounds very intriguing. I’m coming over for dinner! 😋 But seriously, I will check for a recipe for it. Stay healthy and happy, Missy! 🙋♀️
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I’d gladly have you over for dinner! You take care as well.
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This looks packed with flavor and texture!
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It is packed with all things tasty and I already know we’ll have it again. Beans in any shape and color are loved in our house. 🙂
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We love beans too! I make a pot every week, sometimes with a dish in mind and sometimes just to use in other dishes. I love the amazing variety, and even the youngest kids in the family love them.
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Same here with a pot of beans! This pot of black beans was turned into tortilla soup, some tostadas and huevos rancheros. Our kids, who are out on their own, still love beans and cook them also. 😊
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I can smell it just by looking at the photos.
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I think you’d like this soup! Post COVID I hope you visit and I’ll cook something special for you! 🙋♀️
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and the best place to have this out in the wilds by a flowing stream!
I can almost taste it Sabine! You also take very good food shots!
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Thanks Wayne! It’s so delicious! You should make it sometime and take a thermos along on your eagle outings. 😉
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good idea!
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This looks spicy and delicious Sabine … something perfect when you’re in the mood for something tasty and healthy too. I wish I was eating some now.
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Yes, spicy and delicious! My kind of soup! Our weather is starting to warm up a bit there will probably be lighter soups for spring. 😉
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Full bodied and spicy are something I’d like as well Sabine. Lighter soups and hopefully more shopping trips without worries down the road as well, unless you will be able to grow all your own veggies this Summer.
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Yes, I hope to grow a lot of our veggies again this summer. I just got some more raised beds to put up and will go to the nursery next week. It’s all outdoors with masks and tons of space. It will feel good to do something “normalish”!
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That’s early for planting due to your warmer climates – here they say don’t plant annuals or veggies until after Memorial Day. Then in August they all ripen at the same time! The raised beds will work nicely for your rabbit buddies and less bending for you!
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Yes, it’s early for warm weather crops, but I will only plant greens, salad and sugar snap peas at this time. I am glad to have the raised beds since I’ve already seen bunnies hopping around in the garden. That’s early for them. They used to not come by until early summer!
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The bunnies remember how good tasting your garden was last year and the woman who likes them as she takes pictures of them. 🙂
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😂 I’m sure they remember me!
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Yes, your veggie garden and your sweet self too of course!
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