Martha Stewart Makes Three Soups From Three Regions | Tortilla, Consommé, and Chowder

Martha Stewart

Video Stats

Channel: Martha Stewart
Host: Martha Stewart
Published: Aug 18, 2025
Views: 17.6k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

Tortilla Soup is a delightful Mexican dish that brings together a medley of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. The base of this soup is made from roasted tomatoes, which are blended to create a smooth and rich texture. The addition of sautéed onions and garlic provides a fragrant foundation that elevates the overall taste. As the soup simmers, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.

One of the standout features of Tortilla Soup is its toppings. Crispy tortilla strips add a delightful crunch, while creamy avocado slices provide a rich contrast. A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens the dish, making it perfect for warm evenings or casual gatherings with friends and family. This soup is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with its vibrant colors and textures.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, Tortilla Soup is an excellent choice. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, cilantro, or even a dollop of sour cream. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, bringing a taste of Mexico to your table.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:19

Broil one tomato for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove the skin.

2
00:26

Place the broiled tomato in a blender.

3
00:36

Heat a scant tablespoon of corn oil in a skillet or soup pan.

4
00:44

Add coarsely chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until translucent.

01:01

Tip: Season the onion with salt and pepper while cooking to enhance flavor.

5
01:06

Cut blue corn and flour tortillas into long strips.

6
01:28

Heat a little oil in the skillet to soften the Paca peppers.

7
01:55

Transfer the onion mixture to the blender and blend until smooth.

8
02:43

Cook the blended mixture until thick and darker in color.

9
02:47

Whisk in six cups of chicken broth.

03:02

Tip: Tie cilantro and oregano in cheesecloth for easy removal after cooking.

10
03:19

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.

11
03:30

Heat about half a cup of corn oil and fry the tortilla strips until crispy.

04:06

Tip: Cut tortillas into triangles for homemade tortilla chips.

12
04:18

Chop the crispy Paca pepper into bits.

13
04:42

Cut a ripe avocado into strips and scoop out with a spoon.

05:10

Tip: Twist the knife to easily remove the pit from the avocado.

14
05:24

Ladle the soup into bowls over the avocado.

15
05:34

Add finely grated radish, lime wedges, cheese, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips.

16
07:11

In a saucepan, add one pound of ground chicken to the stock.

17
07:34

Add one finely diced carrot and one finely diced celery stalk to the mix.

18
08:09

Add six egg whites to the mixture.

19
09:05

Place the mixture over medium-high heat.

20
09:46

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.

21
10:11

Ladle the clear consommé from the top.

10:44

Tip: Chill the stock to solidify fat for easy removal.

22
11:27

Serve the consommé hot or cold, garnished with vegetables or meat.

11:52

Tip: Use a grease blotter to absorb excess fat from the stock.

23
12:09

Sauté six slices of bacon until crispy, then remove excess fat.

24
12:30

Sauté one cup of pearl onions and two stalks of celery until they start to sweat.

13:12

Tip: Cooking in a shallow pan allows for faster cooking and better movement of ingredients.

25
13:20

Add three tablespoons of flour to the sautéed vegetables.

14:01

Tip: Use freshly shucked clams for the best flavor in clam chowder.

26
14:17

Slowly add half a cup of water and two cups of clam juice.

27
14:29

Add four diced yellow potatoes and bring to a boil.

15:34

Tip: Add a touch more pepper to taste before serving.

28
15:51

Add two pounds of shucked clams and two ears of corn to the mixture.

16:07

Tip: A little bit of sherry enhances the flavor of New England clam chowder.

29
16:34

Serve the chowder hot, adding a touch of sherry for flavor.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Garlic2 cloves
Corn Oil1 tbsp
Tortilla4
Avocado1
Lime1
Cilantroto taste
Pepperto taste

Nutrition

Calories
350
kcal per serving
Protein
12
per serving
Carbs
40
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Tortilla soup is traditionally topped with crispy tortilla strips and avocado for added texture and flavor.
  • Roasting tomatoes enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the soup.
  • Using homemade chicken broth can significantly improve the flavor of the soup.
  • The addition of lime juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing element.