Grab For Eats Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make soup that’s both flavorful and satisfying? Then Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup Recipe is your answer! This vibrant soup brings the taste of Houston’s legendary dish right to your kitchen, with simple ingredients and a rich, comforting flavor. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this recipe is perfect.
Houston’s Restaurant, a beloved American chain known for its top-notch dining experience, has been serving up delicious dishes since 1977. The restaurant is renowned for its fresh ingredients, tasty combinations, and upscale, yet relaxed atmosphere. Among their standout dishes is their tortilla soup, which has become a fan favorite over the years for its bold, yet comforting flavors.
Now, you can recreate this famous tortilla soup right at home with this easy recipe that will impress your friends and family!
What Are Tortillas and How Are They Made?
Tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are flatbreads typically made from corn or flour. The traditional corn tortilla is made from masa harina (corn flour), and its soft, slightly chewy texture is perfect for soups, tacos, or even as a side dish. They are typically round and thin, but their size can vary depending on the region in which they’re made.
Corn tortillas date back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, where they were made using ground corn and water. The art of tortilla-making has been passed down through generations, with each region in Mexico creating its own version of this beloved food.
In this Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup Recipe, the tortilla takes center stage as a key ingredient, adding flavor, texture, and authenticity to the dish.
What Are Rotel Tomatoes and Other Types of Tomatoes?
Rotel tomatoes are canned tomatoes that are often mixed with green chilies to create a tangy, zesty flavor. They’re perfect for soups, dips, and sauces, adding a touch of heat and acidity. These tomatoes are a great addition to the Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup, providing the right balance of flavors without being too overwhelming.
There are many other varieties of tomatoes available, including Roma, cherry, grape, and heirloom tomatoes. All tomatoes are rich in nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which have been shown to promote heart health and reduce the risk of cancer. Tomatoes are also low in calories and high in water content, making them a great addition to any healthy diet.
Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup Recipe Ingredients: A Flavorful Breakdown
To recreate the iconic Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup Recipe at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Rotel Tomatoes (1, 10 oz. can): These diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a zesty kick to the soup. Rich in vitamins C and A, they add a healthy dose of antioxidants to your meal. Rotel tomatoes are a great addition to any tomato-based dish, providing the perfect balance of acidity and heat.
Onion (1 medium-sized): Onions are essential for flavor in many soups, stews, and sauces. They add a mild sweetness when cooked, making them a perfect base for this tortilla soup. Onions are also packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and they help support digestive health.
Beans (½ cup): Beans provide a boost of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re not only filling but also offer important nutrients like iron, magnesium, and folate. Adding beans to this soup gives it a heartier texture and makes it more satisfying.
Low-fat Sour Cream (1 cup): Sour cream adds a creamy, tangy finish to the soup. Using low-fat sour cream helps reduce the calorie count while maintaining the rich, velvety texture. It’s also a good source of calcium and protein, making it a nutritious choice for topping off your soup.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup): Monterey Jack cheese is mild and melty, making it an ideal choice for soups. It provides a rich, creamy texture and a delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Cheese is a great source of calcium and protein, and it adds a satisfying element to this tortilla soup.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): These simple seasonings elevate the flavors of the soup, making all the ingredients come together beautifully.
Utensils Required
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to make this Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup Recipe:
- A large pot for cooking the soup.
- A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping the onions and garlic.
- An immersion blender (or a regular blender) to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
Method of Preparing the Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup Recipe
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this incredible soup:
Step 1 – Prepare the Soup Base: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent, which helps bring out their natural sweetness.
Step 2 – Add the Spices: Next, stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let them cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their fragrant oils and infuse the soup with flavor.
Step 3 – Simmer the Tomatoes: Add the can of Rotel tomatoes to the pot. Stir well, and then let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the tomatoes break down and release their juices, creating a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 4 – Add Beans & Water: Now, it’s time to add the beans and water. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5 – Blend the Soup: Once the soup has finished simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, topped with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and any other toppings you like, such as avocado, lettuce, or tortilla strips. Enjoy the rich, flavorful goodness!
What Can Be Paired with Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup Recipe?
This tortilla soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:
- Fresh tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Guacamole for a creamy, rich accompaniment.
- Sliced avocado to add some extra richness.
- A fresh green salad for a light, refreshing side.
When to Serve Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup
This flavorful soup is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual dinners to special celebrations. Here are a few times to enjoy it:
- Weeknight dinners: Quick, easy, and comforting after a long day.
- Game day: Serve this soup during your next sports gathering for a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Family gatherings: A hit with both kids and adults, making it ideal for family meals.
- Holidays: This soup is perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, or Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
- Special occasions: Serve this as an appetizer for a dinner party or as the main dish for a cozy meal.
Flavorful and Simple to Make Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Blender immersion or regular
Ingredients
- 10 oz. rotel tomatoes 1 can
- 1 onion medium-sized
- ½ cup beans
- 1 cup low fat sour cream
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent, which helps bring out their natural sweetness.
- Add the Spices: Next, stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let them cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their fragrant oils and infuse the soup with flavor.
- Simmer the Tomatoes: Add the can of Rotel tomatoes to the pot. Stir well, and then let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the tomatoes break down and release their juices, creating a flavorful base for your soup.
- Add Beans & Water: Now, it’s time to add the beans and water. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend the Soup: Once the soup has finished simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, topped with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and any other toppings you like, such as avocado, lettuce, or tortilla strips. Enjoy the rich, flavorful goodness!
Tips
- For added depth of flavor, try roasting your tomatoes before adding them to the soup. This will give them a smoky, sweet flavor that will elevate your soup even more.
- Add a bit of spice: If you like your soup on the spicier side, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the base.
- Adjust the thickness: If the soup is too thick, simply add a little extra water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.
Nutrition
Enjoy the Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup Recipe at Home
Houston’s Restaurant Tortilla Soup Recipe is a perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. By following this easy recipe, you can recreate this popular dish in your own kitchen and enjoy the same delicious flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it on a cozy night in, this tortilla soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
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