This Veggie Tortilla Soup is a Mexican-inspired, weeknight-friendly dish packed with warm spices, two kinds of beans, and plenty of veggies. Finish it with crumbled homemade tortilla chips and enjoy.
1mediumbell pepper (red, orange or yellow), chopped
1mediumyellow or sweet onion, chopped
1smallserrano or jalapeño, diced
2cloves garlic, minced
1(15-ounce)can black beans, drained and rinsed
1(15-ounce)can pinto or pink beans, drained and rinsed
1(15-ounce)fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
4cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2cups water (or extra broth)
2tsp chili powder
1½tspcumin
½tspcoriander
½tspsmoked paprika
1tspsalt, adjust to taste
½tspblack pepper, adjust to taste
Tortilla chips, to crumble on top, if not making your own
Optional toppings
Sliced avocado
Shredded vegan cheese
Cilantro, chopped
Squeeze of lime juice
Homemade Tortilla Strips with Chili Lime Salt
3-4Corn tortillas
Olive oil, for brushing
Chili lime salt (or a mix of chili powder, salt and lime zest)
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Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Add the chopped bell pepper and chopped onion, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and diced serrano or jalapeño pepper, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Spices: Stir in the 2 tsp chili powder, 1½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp coriander, and ½ tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium vegetable broth, and water. Add the drained and rinsed beans and stir to combine.
Season and Simmer: Add 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Chili Lime Tortilla Strips (Optional): Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush corn tortillas with olive oil and season generously with chili lime salt, on both sides. Cut into your desired strip size—thicker strips work best for holding up in the soup. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or black pepper to taste.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crushed tortilla chips and any desired optional toppings like sliced avocado, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
Adjusting HeatIf you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of serrano or jalapeño pepper or omit it entirely. For more heat, add an extra pepper or a pinch of cayenne.Toppings TipCrushed tortilla chips add the perfect crunch, but you can also use crispy tostadas or homemade baked tortilla strips for a lighter option.StorageStore leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.FreezingThis soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.