Wolfgang Puck Tortilla Soup Recipe

Wolfgang Puck’s tortilla soup is a burst of flavor that transforms simple ingredients into a nice, homey dish.

This recipe stands out with its vibrant blend of spicy jalapeños, fresh corn, and crispy tortilla strips.

While simmering the soup, consider baking the tortilla strips to just the right crispness for an added crunch.

A touch of jalapeño brings the perfect amount of heat to balance the creamy avocado and rich chicken broth.

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that extra zing!

How to Make Wolfgang Puck Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp Olive Oil
• 6 Corn Tortillas (cut into strips)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 Jalapeño Pepper (seeded and minced)
• 1 can Tomatoes (32 oz. crushed)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded)
• 1 cup Corn Kernels
• 2 Avocados (diced)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Sauté the tortilla strips until slightly crisp and browned.

Remove them and set aside for later.

Step 2:

In the same pot, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño.

Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 3:

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it cook for about 15 minutes.

Step 4:

Add the cooked chicken and corn kernels to the pot.

Continue to simmer until the soup is heated through.

Step 5:

For serving, reheat the soup on low and add diced avocado.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.

Enjoy fresh with crispy tortilla strips on top!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Crispy Tortilla Perfection

Make sure your tortilla strips are extra crunchy by baking them in the oven instead of frying!

This adds great texture without the extra oil.

Spice it Up

Feel free to adjust the jalapeño to your taste.

If you like it spicy, toss in an extra pepper or some hot sauce.

Avocado Freshness

Add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and green.

Avoid letting it sit in the soup too long to preserve its flavor.

Cheese Choices

Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack.

This can provide a nice twist to the traditional cheddar garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.

A little squeeze of lime can elevate the taste!

What to Serve with Wolfgang Puck Tortilla Soup

Traditional Tortilla Strips

You can’t go wrong by starting with crunchy tortilla strips. They’re the perfect topper for this classic soup, adding texture and a touch of flavor.

Using freshly fried tortilla strips, you’ll get a homemade taste that beats store-bought any day. Plus, it gives you the chance to use up any leftover tortillas you might have at home.

Avocado Slices

For a creamy contrast, consider adding a few slices of ripe avocado on the side. This will provide a rich, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the soup’s spices.

The mild taste of avocado complements the soup without overpowering it, allowing the soup’s robust flavors to shine through.

Lime Wedges

Don’t forget lime wedges! A little squeeze of lime can truly brighten up the soup’s complex flavors.

Lime adds a refreshing citrus note, cutting through richer elements like cheese and chicken, making every sip more refreshing.

Grilled Corn Salad

Try serving a grilled corn salad alongside your soup. It’s a bit of a twist but works wonderfully.

Charred corn mixed with diced tomatoes and scallions can offer a sweet and smoky flavor contrast to the spiciness of the soup.

Smoky Chipotle Sour Cream

For something different, whip up a smoky chipotle sour cream as an accompaniment.

A dollop of this on the soup adds a tangy flavor alongside some mild heat, which could enhance the soup’s overall profile.

Pickled Red Onions

Pickled red onions can be an unexpected yet welcome addition. Their tangy bite offers a good contrast to the soup’s richness.

Plus, they add a beautiful color pop to your meal presentation, making your table look even more inviting.

Variations and Substitutions

Spice Level Adjustment

You can control the heat of the soup by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or opting for milder chili peppers.

For a spicier kick, add more jalapeño or even try a dash of cayenne pepper.

If you prefer it milder, reduce the jalapeño amount or remove the seeds.

Protein Alternatives

Chicken is classic in this soup, but you can switch it up with cooked turkey or even shrimp for a seafood twist.

Vegetarians can combine beans such as black or pinto instead of meat to maintain protein content.

Corn Choices

Fresh corn kernels are traditional, providing a sweet crunch to the soup.

In a pinch, canned or frozen corn works just as well, maintaining the soup’s hearty texture.

Tortilla Options

The traditional choice is corn tortillas, which bake into crispy strips as garnish.

Flour tortillas can be used for a softer texture, though the crisps are slightly different.

For a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free tortillas.

Additional Flavor Enhancements

Add a smoky depth with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

A squeeze of lime juice at the end delivers a zesty finish that can brighten flavors overall.

Chopped fresh cilantro is a perfect garnish that brings additional freshness to each serving.

How to Store Leftover Wolfgang Puck Tortilla Soup

You’ll want to cool your Wolfgang Puck Tortilla Soup before storing it in the fridge.

It’s important to do this because hot soup can raise the temperature of your fridge, affecting other foods.

Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers for optimal freshness.

Mason jars or reusable plastic containers are great options to prevent odors from mingling with your delicious creation.

Freezing for Later Use

Freezing is an excellent option if you plan to enjoy the soup much later.

Portion the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers.

This way, you can defrost just the right amount when you’re ready for a tasty meal.

Portioning the Soup

Dividing the soup into smaller portions before storage can make reheating easy!

This method also helps in retaining flavor and texture, especially if you don’t plan to eat it all at once.

Timing is Everything

Try to consume stored soup within three to four days if kept in the fridge.

If you decide to freeze it, it’s best to use the soup within two to three months for the best taste.

Happy storing!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Fresh Ingredients

You want to use fresh ingredients like corn and tomatoes for the best flavor.

Relying on canned options might save time, but it will definitely affect the soup’s taste and texture.

Over-Pureeing the Soup

It’s tempting to blend the soup into a smooth liquid, but leaving a bit of texture is key.

Retain chunks of tortilla and corn to provide some character and added depth to your soup.

Not Adjusting Seasoning

Taste-testing is crucial to keep your spice levels and salt perfect.

Many people forget this step and end up with a bland or overly spicy dish.