Sopa De Tortilla

Preheat a large heavy skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tortillas and toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned and fragrant.

Remove the tortillas from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Then, tear them into small pieces and add them to a blender or food processor.

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, stemmed and seeded ancho chiles, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the blended tortilla mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is fragrant and lightly browned.

Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

Stir in the diced avocado and sour cream. Cook, stirring constantly, for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the soup is heated through and the avocado is tender.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.

Serve the soup with a variety of toppings, such as diced onions, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips, to add texture and flavor.

Experiment with different types of chiles and spices to find the combination that works best for you. You can also add other ingredients, such as cooked chicken or diced vegetables, to make the soup more substantial.

Consider making a double batch of the soup and freezing it for later. The soup will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer and can be reheated quickly and easily.

For a creamier soup, add more sour cream or use a higher ratio of avocado to broth. For a thinner soup, add more broth or use a lower ratio of avocado to broth.