This great soup, adapted from a recipe in Bon Appetit magazine, can be spiced up at the table with hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco), or cooled off with a dollop of sour cream.
64oz. reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable brothor use any variety
4Tbsp. fresh cilantro or parsleychopped (optional)
8corn tortillascut into 1/2-inch strips, 6-inch
2tomatoeschopped
15oz. reduced-sodium canned black beans drained and rinsed, or use any variety, or use 1 1/2 cups home-cooked beans for every 15 oz. can
1zucchinichopped, or use 2 carrots or 1 bell pepper, diced
1/2cuplow fat sour cream or use plain Greek yogurt for serving (optional), or use any variety
hot pepper saucefor serving (optional), such as Tabasco
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, broth, and cilantro or parsley (optional).
Bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, partially cover, and simmer it for 15 minutes.
Add the tortillas, tomatoes, beans, and zucchini.
Cover and simmer it until the zucchini is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir a dollop of sour cream and/or a dash of hot pepper sauce into each bowl of soup at the table, if desired.
Slow Cooker Directions
Combine all ingredients other than the tortillas, sour cream, and/or hot pepper sauce in the slow cooker, and cook on low for 8 - 10 hours or on high for 4 - 5 hours. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, add the tortilla strips. Stir a dollop of sour cream and/or a dash of hot pepper sauce into each bowl of soup at the table, if desired.
(Slow cooker cooking times may vary—Get to know your slow cooker and, if necessary, adjust cooking times accordingly.)
Notes
Do Ahead or Delegate: Chop the onion, tomatoes, zucchini (or carrots or bell peppers if using), and cilantro or parsley if using, peel the garlic, cut the tortillas.Scramble Flavor Booster: Use the optional herbs and use hot Mexican chili powder. Add hot pepper sauce to flavor the soup before serving.Tip: To remove any dirt or sand from cilantro leaves, swirl the sprigs a few times in a bowl filled with cold water. The dirt will settle to the bottom of the bowl. Then gently pat it dry.Like this recipe? Check out The Scramble's family-friendly meal plans to see just how simple getting dinner on the table can be!