Making soup is an example of how a group of individuals can make something great
Cooking can be best described as “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” In cooking, most of the ingredients are simple and unappealing alone. But together, it can become something amazing. Let’s make soup for example.
The first step is to cook the chicken. I like to use chicken breast, either on or off the bone. I cover it with a combination of chipotle seasoning, pepper and salt. Then, I put it in a pan, cover it with aluminum foil and bake it for an hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. When it’s finished, I take it out and cut it into small chunks or I shred it.
Then, I saute diced onions, garlic, jalapenos and green chiles together in a deep pot. After, I add diced tomatoes, cilantro, the chicken and the broth. I bring the mixture to a boil and then bring it down to a simmer for 10 minutes. When everything has mixed together perfectly, I take it off the heat. I let it cool for just a moment before scooping a large ladle full into a bowel. Then I put in tortilla chips.
If I’m feeling particularly energetic, I make them while the soup boils. I take strips of corn tortillas and fry them in olive oil until they are nice and crisp. Then, I set them aside on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. If I’m feeling lazy, I use store bought tortilla chips.
After the chips, I drop a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, a squeeze of lime, and a few slices of avocado on top to complete the dish. I just made Chicken Tortilla Soup, my favorite.
It’s a classic in my hometown of Yuma, Arizona where it can be found at most restaurants. My favorite place to get it was in Downtown Phoenix at Devils Greens. I’ve only made it once but the experience made me love it even more.
Soup never held any deeper meaning to me. Unusually it was something to eat in a hurry or when I was sick. It was almost never made under pleasant circumstances. The closest soup that brings on happy memories is the extremely bland homemade chicken noodle soup my family makes every Christmas. For me, chicken tortilla soup is a zesty, spicy twist on the classic chicken noodle. There’s no special tradition or meaning; it just tastes great.
