Hearty Stovetop Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
A comforting and easy-to-make hearty vegetarian tortilla soup featuring fresh vegetables, beans, and spices simmered on the stovetop. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal any day.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Soup Base
- Spices
- Liquid
- Beans
- Vegetables
- Finishing Touches
- Toppings
- Soup Base
Let’s make it
Soup Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
Soup Base
Add diced red bell pepper, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Spices
Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices' aromas.
Liquid
Pour in vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to blend flavors and soften vegetables.
Beans and Vegetables
Add rinsed and drained black beans and corn kernels (fresh or frozen) to the simmering soup. Continue cooking for 5 more minutes until heated through.
Finishing Touches
Remove the soup from heat. Stir in fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Serving
Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with crunchy tortilla strips. Garnish with sliced avocado and fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Serve hot.
Tips & notes
To make tortilla strips at home, cut corn tortillas into thin strips, toss with a little oil and salt, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until crispy, about 10 minutes. Use canned beans and broth for convenience and flavor. Adjust spice levels by omitting jalapeño or adding a pinch of chili powder if desired.
Saving it for later
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3 to 4 days for best freshness and safety. Do not freeze with tortilla strips; add fresh ones when serving leftover soup.
Reheating
Reheat soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup thickens too much. Garnish with fresh tortilla strips and toppings after reheating.
