For CRYSTAL : Most Easy Most Best Tortilla Soup =) YUM BUM!

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 medium white onions, diced
• 2 bay leafs
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and minced
• 3 ripe medium tomatoes, chopped ( I LIKE ROMA TOMATOES)
• 1 quart chicken stock ( FROM THE SOUP SECTION OF THE MARKET)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Canola oil, for pan-frying
• 8 corn tortillas, cut into 1/8-inch-thick strips
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken ( I BUY THE PRECOOKED CHICKEN FROM THE DELI SECTION OF THE MARKET)
• 2 avocados, halved, pitted, peeled, and diced
• 1 cup shredded Jack cheese, optional
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• 1 lime, cut in wedges, for serving
  

Place a stockpot over medium heat and coat with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the onions, garlic, jalapenos, bay leafs, and tomatoes; cook, stirring for 15 minutes until the vegetables are cooked down and pulpy. Pour in the stock, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat 1-inch of canola oil in a skillet over medium-high flame. When the oil begins to smoke, add the tortilla strips in batches and fry until they are crisp on all sides. Remove to a paper towel-lined platter and sprinkle with salt while they are still hot.

Ladle the hot soup into 4 soup bowls and put a pile of shredded chicken on top of each. MAKE SURE TO REMOVE BAY LEAFS!!! Top with the diced avocado and fried tortilla strips (and cheese if using). Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

MUY DELICIOSO! =)

** FOR 2 SERVINGS CUT INGREDIENTS IN 1/2!**

This recipe was brought you by the collaboration of C MARIE PHILLIPS and chef extraordinarie TYLER FLORANCE!


Crissy hope you love it as much as I do!