Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How can I thicken my chicken tortilla soup? ›

Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into your soup while stirring continuously. Allow the soup to simmer for a few minutes to activate the thickening properties of the cornstarch. Remember to whisk the soup well to avoid any lumps.

Chicken tortilla soup actually is an authentic Mexican dish. The traditional soup is made with chicken broth, tomatoes, garlic, onion, chiles, and fried tortilla strips. There are also variations of the soup, like ones that include beans.

The time it takes to boil soup in an Instant Pot can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, on average, it usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and then an additional 15 to 30 minutes for the soup to boil and cook adequately.

Without a doubt the tortilla soup is one of the most representative dishes of the Mexican gastronomy. Its origin is attributed to the state of Tlaxcala (soil of maize) and the dish represents the fusion of the Prehispanic and Spanish cultures.

It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. If you need to substitute cornstarch to thicken liquid in a recipe that calls for ¼ cup (four tablespoons) flour, you only need two tablespoons cornstarch.

The most classic and surefire way to thicken a broth-based soup is with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together equal parts cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water or broth, then whisk it into the pot of soup. A good ratio to get to a pleasant thickness without your soup tasting goopy or heavy is one tablespoon.

Chicken broth is the liquid part of chicken soup. Broth can be served as is, or used as stock, or served as soup with noodles. Broth can be milder than stock, does not need to be boiled as long, and can be made with meatier chicken parts. Chicken bouillon or bouillon de poulet is the French term for chicken broth.

Tortilla Soup was born in the state of Tlaxcala near Mexico City. In fact, Tlaxcala in Nahuatl means “the land of the corn” or “ the place where tortillas abound.” Tlaxcala was one of the first places where the Spaniards settled.

You can enjoy tortilla soup with many things, like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Mexican rice, chips with guacamole, roasted corn, black beans, and Mexican cornbread are also good choices.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly the origin of tortilla soup, but it is generally attributed to Central Mexico and especially popular in Mexico City, where it was possibly born in the nearby state of Tlaxcala (which in Nahuatl means “land of the corn” or “place where tortillas abound”).

Why do Mexicans use two tortillas? ›

Mexicans fondly refer to this as 'la copia' (literally: the copy). If you ask around, you'll be given many reasons for this. But a popular explanation is that the second tortilla can be used to make another taco with any fillings that spill out the side.

Chicken tortilla soup is like a taco in soup form. Its rich tomato and chicken broth pairs perfectly with chunky veggies, shredded chicken, beans and sweet corn. You can sprinkle some tortilla strips right on top with a healthy handful of cheese, or pair the dish with soft Dinner Rolls.

If you don't have cornstarch handy, flour is a similar alternative that can be used to thicken soup (for a gluten-free option, you can also use arrowroot flour). There are a few ways to incorporate flour into soup, which work to avoid clumping and the raw taste of flour.

Make a Slurry with Masa Harina.

To make your slurry, combine equal-parts masa harina and room-temperature water in a small bowl, stir until dissolved, and then pour the mixture into your pot of chili and stir over low heat.

Add Cornstarch or Flour

If you want to thicken up your taco soup quickly, cornstarch or flour could be your best friends. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with equal parts water in a small bowl until smooth.

Cornstarch is a common thickening agent in the culinary arts, but if you add it directly to the liquid you want to thicken, it will clump up. To thicken a sauce or soup with cornstarch, you first need to make a slurry, which is a mixture of equal parts cornstarch and liquid (usually water, stock or wine).