Chicken Tortilla Soup January 13, 2011

I found this recipe while perusing food.com   I had been wanting to try chicken tortilla soup for a while, and this one was a hit.

1 cup carrot, diced

1 cup celery

1 cup onion, diced

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 fresh diced garlic clove

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons corn oil

4 (15 ounce) cans chicken broth

1 (15 ounce) can tomatoes, diced (optional)

1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes & chilies, diced

1 (1 1/4-1 1/2 ounce) packet taco seasoning

1 (10 count) package corn tortillas (broken or cut into small pieces)

12 ounces chicken meat, poached, diced

1 cup milk

12 ounces monterey jack cheese or 12 ounces Mexican blend cheese, shredded

corn tortilla chips, broken into small pieces

Saute carrots, onions, celery in corn oil, garlic, salt and pepper until tender.

Add chicken broth and bring to boil.

Add tomatoes, Rotel, taco seasoning, and chicken.

Cut Tortillas into small pieces and add to broth mixture.

Let boil for 20 minutes or until tortillas are thoroughly incorporated into soup stirring occasionally to keep from sticking.

Reduce heat and add 8 oz. cheese. Simmer for additional 10 minutes.

Add milk and simmer for additional 10 minutes.

If thicker soup is desired, add more diced tortillas and let incorporate into soup.

Garnish with shredded cheese and broken tortilla chips.

Freeze in ziploc bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight, heat up and enjoy!