Tasty Salsa Verde Soup

This comforting mixture of vibrant veggies, smoky green salsa, and zesty red salsa comes together in a soul-warming tortilla soup that's light yet filling. Every bite delivers soft potatoes, crunchy carrots, and fragrant herbs, while your choice of garnishes transforms each serving into a personal creation full of contrasting textures and tastes.

When my sister-in-law told me what her dream tortilla soup would taste like, I tried dozens of versions until I got it right. I wasn't sure at first, but boy was I happy when my kitchen filled up with the smell of cooked veggies and Mexican seasonings. Now my family asks for this soup more than anything else.

Key Ingredients

• Thick red salsa: Go for a premium option with noticeable veggie chunks for better texture and taste
• Salsa verde: Adds a smoky tang that works perfectly against the red salsa
• Russet potatoes: They slightly thicken your soup while staying nice and tender
• Whole vegetables: Pick firm carrots, bright celery, and fresh onions for the best outcome
• Good broth: This forms the base of your soup - grab low sodium so you can adjust salt yourself

Instructions Steps

1. Start With Aromatics

Melt butter in a sturdy Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and let them get soft and see-through. Add your carrots and celery, cooking until they soften slightly but still have some bite. Mix in the minced garlic and cook until you can smell its aroma.

2. Add Your Spices

Dust the vegetables with taco seasoning, stirring so everything gets coated. Let the spices cook briefly to wake up their flavors and oils. This quick toasting step really makes the soup taste amazing.

3. Create Your Soup Base

Pour in your broth and drop in the cubed potatoes. Let it come to a gentle simmer, tweaking the heat to keep a steady bubble without going into a full boil. Cook until you can easily stick a fork in the potatoes but they don't fall apart.

4. Mix In The Salsas

Stir in both your red salsa and salsa verde carefully. These two create the magic flavor combo that makes this soup stand out. If you're using chicken, add it now. Let everything warm through as the flavors blend together.

5. Finish It Off

Right before you serve, mix in fresh cilantro. Give it a taste and add more seasonings if needed, keeping in mind your toppings will bring extra flavor and salt.

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I always loved tortilla soup as a kid, but it wasn't until I started playing around with different salsas that I found this incredible mix. The first time I put it on the table, my family kept going back for more until the pot was empty.

Amazing Toppings

Your toppings aren't just extras - they're a crucial part of the dish. I set up a little topping bar with gooey Mexican cheese, chopped avocado, fresh cilantro sprigs, juicy lime wedges, and plenty of crunchy tortilla chips. For something extra special, try adding a spoonful of Mexican crema or yogurt.

Prep Ahead Tricks

This soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to mix. Keep your toppings separate and warm the soup slowly when you want to eat. Always add fresh toppings right before serving so they stay crisp and fresh.

Better Tortilla Chips

While chips from the store work fine, making your own tortilla strips takes your soup to another level. Just slice corn tortillas into thin strips, mix with olive oil and lime zest, then bake until they're crunchy. That bit of lime zest adds something special you won't get from bagged chips.

Ways To Switch It Up

You can easily change how spicy it is by picking milder or hotter salsas. Want something more filling? Throw in some black beans or corn. Don't eat meat? Skip the chicken completely - the veggies and potatoes make it plenty satisfying without it.

What began as just trying to make my sister-in-law happy has turned into one of my favorite recipes ever. There's something so fun about watching people fix up their own bowls, piling on toppings and breaking chips into the hot broth. It's not just food - it's something that brings folks together, creating little moments of happiness with each spoonful.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I skip the chicken for a vegetarian option?

Sure thing! Just leave out the chicken and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. It’s still super hearty.

→ What type of salsa works best?

Go for a chunky version of both red salsa and salsa verde. The mix is what gives it that special kick.

→ How can I make it less spicy?

Easy! Use mild salsas or skip the hot sauce. If people want more heat, they can add hot sauce to their own bowls.

→ Can I freeze it?

Definitely. Just don’t freeze it with the toppings. Add the fresh toppings after reheating.

→ Is there an alternative to yogurt?

Sour cream is a great swap if you’re out of yogurt or just prefer it.