SOUTHWESTERN TOMATO SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a stockpot on medium heat.
• Add onions, carrots and celery and saute until soft and golden, about 10 minutes.
• Add broth, garlic, tomatoes with juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
• Simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered.
• Stir in parsley and check for seasoning.
• Add additional salt and pepper if necessary.
• Add chickpeas, corn and cumin and bring back to a boil.
• Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low.
• Stir in cilantro.
• Ladle soup into bowls.
• Garnish with crushed tortilla chips.
• Serve immediately.

Steps:

• Place tomatoes cut side down on a broiler pan; broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 15-20 minutes. Peel and discard skins. Repeat with peppers, broiling for 5-10 minutes., In a small skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Transfer to a blender; add tomatoes and peppers. Cover and process until smooth., Press mixture through a strainer with a spoon; discard seeds. Place mixture in a large saucepan. Add the broth, cilantro, cumin, sugar, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 15-20 minutes or until heated through., Meanwhile, heat 1/2 in. of oil in a skillet to 375°. Fry tortilla strips, in batches, for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown; drain on paper towels. Garnish bowls of soup with tortilla strips. Serve with sour cream if desired.