Creamy Tortilla Soup

It was chilly yesterday & I was in the mood for soup. There were several candidates but this one won! It did not disappoint.  Originally this calls for chicken but I was looking for a vegetarian option. Yum.

Ingredients
1Tbsp canola oil
1 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
1 Tbsp finely minced garlic (3 cloves)
1 jalapeno, seeded & chopped (1/4 cup) *I omitted this
1 (32oz) carton low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp of each chili powder, cumin & paprika *I was out of chili powder so used a dash of cayenne
Salt & pepper to taste
1 (15oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 1/3 cups milk
1/3 cup masa harina *I couldn't find this so used corn meal instead
1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sour cream *I omitted this

For serving: shredded cheese, sour cream (or greek yogurt), diced avocados, cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla chips

Heat canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add onion & jalapeno & saute 3 minutes, adding garlic during last 30 seconds of sauteeing. Add chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika and season with salt & pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle boil, 15 minutes or so (this is where you'd add the chicken)

Add diced tomatoes with green chilies to pot. Then measure milk & whisk in the masa harina until well blended. Pour mixture into pot & cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens slightly (it won't thicken much). Add black beans, pinto beans & corn. Stir in cream and sour cream and cook til heated through.



Perfect cozy meal for a cool evening!