Craving a Spicy Twist Without the Burn? Discover the Magic of Our Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup!
That time I took a Spoonful of Soup That Sent Me Reaching for a Lifeline? Let Me Tell You About One Such Spicy Encounter!
Picture this: I’m at a restaurant, eagerly diving into a bowl of soup, expecting a warm, comforting embrace of flavors. Instead, what I got was a fiery blast that had me gasping for air. Oh, Chihuahua!
That spoonful was my first and last for the day. Yowww! Too hot, too spicy, just too much.
It was one of those moments where you swear off anything that even whispers ‘spice’. That burn, that sudden breath-snatching intensity, it wasn’t just a taste sensation; it was a full-blown culinary ambush!
But here’s the kicker – that painful memory led me to a revelation. I realized that what I truly craved was the essence of spice without the agony. I wanted that zesty kick, that bold flavor, but without feeling like I was battling a fire-breathing dragon with every bite.
And that’s how our Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup was born. It’s the perfect antidote to those over-the-top spicy experiences. This soup is all about hitting that sweet spot of spice – enough to wake up your taste buds, but not so much that you’re scrambling for a glass of milk.
The best part? After surviving that too-hot-to-handle ordeal, I found solace in the soothing, flavorful depths of this vegetarian tortilla soup.
And let’s not forget the bonus – washing down the perfect level of spice with a few margaritas! Hello, relief and relaxation! No more “Holy ##it!” moments, just a harmonious blend of spices that’s easy on the palate.
So, if you’ve ever been scorched by an overly spicy dish and are yearning for that deliciously spiced-up but manageable heat, this soup is your new best friend.
It’s a gentle nod to spice, a flavorful journey without the drama. Pair it with a margarita, and you’ve got yourself a combo that soothes the spice and pampers your taste buds. Hello, Uber, and bed indeed! 🌶️🍲🍹
Table of Contents
5 Reasons You’ll Crave Our Version of Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
- Just the Right Heat: It’s spicy enough to intrigue but not enough to overpower, offering a perfect middle ground.
- Depth of Flavor: Every ingredient is chosen for its ability to contribute to an intricate tapestry of tastes.
- Instant Pot Efficiency: Utilize the convenience of your Instant Pot to lock in those flavors quickly and with minimal fuss.
- Adaptable to All Palates: Whether you’re a strict vegetarian or a meat-lover occasionally crossing over, this soup welcomes all.
- A Celebration in a Bowl: Perfect for themed dinners or a casual night in, this soup is a fiesta of flavors that brings joy to any table.
Kitchen Essentials for Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
Must-Have Tools to make the spicy veggie tortilla soup are as follows:
- Instant Pot (or a Similar Electric Pressure Cooker): The star of the show, handling everything from sautéing to pressure cooking.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without issues.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for prepping your veggies with ease.
- Measuring Spoons: For balances amounts of ingredients per the recipe at the bottom of the page
- Ladle: For serving up your flavorful creation.
- Can Opener: To easily add in those canned ingredients.
Ingredients For Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
- Olive Oil
- Whole Garlic Cloves
- Mixed Peppers (red, yellow, orange)
- Shishito Peppers
- Yellow Onion
- Minced Garlic
- Red Cayenne Pepper
- Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
- Fire-Roasted Corn
- Diced and Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
- Tomato Paste
- Sugar
- Black Beans
- Medium Lime
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
- Avocado
- Sour Cream
- Tortilla Chips
Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Ingredients: Fire Up Without Spicing Up The Flavor
Here’s the thing about the ingredients, if you understand what the purpose of each one is, you can use it effectively to balance out your flavors, and that is the essence of firing up the flavor without spicing up the flavor to the point that it is inedible unless you are someone entering a take your life contest by eating fiery spicy food. (NOT I!)
It’s not just about throwing ingredients into a pot; it’s about understanding how each ingredient contributes to the overall symphony of flavors.
- Olive Oil & Garlic: The foundation of any great soup, these two create a base that’s aromatic and inviting.
- A Symphony of Peppers: By blending different types of peppers, we introduce a spectrum of flavors – from the mild sweetness of bell peppers to the gentle heat of Shishito peppers.
- The Onion & Garlic Encore: Yes, more garlic, because can you ever have enough? And onions, for that sweet, caramelized depth.
- The Spicy Whisper of Cayenne: Here’s where we introduce that perfect level of heat. It’s a whisper, not a shout, of spice.
- Vegetable Broth & Fire-Roasted Corn: The broth provides a comforting base, while the corn adds a hint of smokiness and texture.
- Tomatoes, Two Ways: Fire-roasted for depth, paste for richness, creating a layered tomato experience.
- The Secret Spoonful of Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity and spice.
- Black Beans & Lime: For heartiness and a zing of citrus that cuts through the richness.
- Toppings Galore: Here’s where your creativity shines. Cheese for creaminess, avocado for smoothness, and a sprinkle of tortilla chips for crunch.
How to Make Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
- Begin by sautéing garlic and peppers in olive oil until they’re singing with flavor.
- Layering the Tastes: Gradually add the broth, letting each ingredient meld and harmonize.
- Spice it Right: Introduce the cayenne pepper with a light hand – it’s about warmth, not wildfire.
- The Veggie Medley: Let the fire-roasted corn and tomatoes join the party, enriching the soup with their smoky depth.
- The Tomato Tango: Mix in the tomato paste and water, creating a rich, velvety base.
- A Pinch of Sweetness: A secret teaspoon of sugar to round out the flavors.
- Pressure Cooking Magic: Seal all those beautiful ingredients in your Instant Pot and let them get to know each other.
- The Final Flourish: Stir in the black beans and a squeeze of lime for that final zing.
- Toppings Galore: Customize each bowl with cheese, avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a crunch of tortilla chips.
What to Pair With This Sensational Soup
Complement Your Bowl with These Perfect Partners:
- Crusty Bread or Warm Tortillas: Ideal for scooping up every last drop.
- A Crunchy Green Salad: To add a fresh, light contrast.
- Chilled Margaritas or Iced Tea: Because every spicy dish loves a cool companion.
- A Festive Dessert: Think churros or a slice of tres leches cake to round off the meal.
Grab the recipe, bookmark the page, and share your photos of your soups with me.
#DanaVentoTortillaSoup on Instagram and Pinterest
Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 Whole Garlic Cloves peeled and 1/2’d
- 1/2 C Mixed Peppers red, yellow, orange rinsed, chopped, seeded mixed for color)
- 1/4 C or about 7 Shishito Peppers rinsed, and cut into 1/3’s
- 1 medium yellow onion skinned, rinsed, chopped
- 3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- Dash or up to a Teaspoon of Red Cayenne Pepper
- 32 Oz Low Sodium Vegetable Broth + 2 C Water
- 16 0 z Fire-Roasted Corn
- Dash Red Cayenne Pepper
- 2 – 13.5 Oz Cans of diced and fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 6 oz Tomato Paste+ 2 Cans of Water mixed
- A teaspoon of Sugar white
- Shishito Peppers
- 1- 15.5 Oz Can Black Beans drained and rinsed
- Medium Lime 1 rinsed, 1/2’d & ready to squeeze
- A handful of shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
- 1/4 of an Avocado rinsed, sliced
- Chili Lime Seasoning Blend optional Dash
Instructions
- Prepare an Instant Pot Liner (pot, or another electric pressure cooker) with olive oil.
- Set to Saute.
- Next, add in garlic.
- Follow with pepper mixture.
- Add in Shishito Peppers.
- Now add-in onion and minced garlic.
- Dash with Red Cayenne Pepper
- Mix and allow to saute until onions are translucent.
- Add 1/4 C of Broth and mix again.
- Next is the roasted corn and then combine thoroughly.
- Add more broth, (about 1/2 C) mix and allow to simmer a few minutes.
- Repeat broth again emptying container.
- Next, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juice.
- Tomato Paste + Water combination, mixing to combine all.
- Follow with sugar.
- Stir.
- Cover with Pressure Cooker lid.
- Seal.
- Cancel Saute Mode.
- Soup Mode to 30 minutes.
- Release Method: Immediately (Be Very Careful of steam release burns and the valve)
- Toss in beans.
- Squeeze the lime.
- Transfer to a bowl.
- Top with shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream (optional), and a few TORTILLA chips.
- Serve warm.
- Enjoy!