Green Chile Macaroni Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons oil

1 small yellow onion diced

1 green bell pepper diced

1 jalapeño diced

4 cloves garlic diced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1 4-ounce can green chiles

12 ounces salsa verde homemade or store bought

2 12-ounce cans white beans drained and rinsed

3 cups broth I used vegan chicken broth

8 ounces macaroni dry

1 lime juiced

cilantro, green onion, jalapeño, lime wedges for serving

For The Tortilla Strips

2 tablespoons neutral oil I used avocado

4 corn tortillas cut in strips

1 lime zested

salt to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

Heat the oil in a stock pot over medium heat.

Add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, garlic & dry spices to the pot.

Cook for 3 minutes, or until the veggies are tender.

Pour in the green chiles, salsa verde, beans and broth.

Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 10-20 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add lime juice right before serving.

Step 2:

While the soup is simmering, bring another pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.

Drain and keep separate from the soup.

Step 3:

To make the tortilla strips, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add the tortilla strips and cook until crispy – you may need to work in batches depending on the size of the skillet.

Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate.

While hot, sprinkle with lime zest and salt.

Step 4:

To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and stir in the cooked macaroni to each bowl.

Top with the tortilla strips, cilantro, green onion and jalapeño slices.

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Serve with extra lime wedges on the side.

Notes:

Flavor Profile: This soup is packed with bold flavors from green chiles, salsa verde, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. It offers a delicious combination of tangy, spicy, and savory notes.

Green Chiles: The canned green chiles add a mild heat and smoky flavor to the soup.

Salsa Verde: Using homemade or store-bought salsa verde adds a tangy and zesty element to the dish.

White Beans: The white beans provide protein and texture, making the soup hearty and satisfying.

Macaroni: The addition of macaroni makes this soup a complete meal, adding a comforting pasta element.

Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh ingredients like onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic enhances the overall flavor and texture of the soup.

Simmering: Simmering the soup allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful broth.

Tortilla Strips: Making homemade tortilla strips adds a crispy and crunchy texture to the soup, complementing the creamy beans and pasta.

Lime Juice and Zest: Adding lime juice and zest brightens up the flavors of the soup, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned green chiles instead of fresh ones?

Yes, the recipe calls for a 4-ounce can of green chiles, which provides convenience and flavor.

You can use canned green chiles to save time.

Is salsa verde necessary, or can I use a different type of salsa?

Salsa verde adds a distinct tangy flavor to the soup.

If you prefer a different type of salsa, feel free to experiment, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor profile.

Can I substitute the white beans with a different type of bean?

Yes, you can substitute the white beans with other beans like black beans or kidney beans based on your preference.

Is the soup spicy with the addition of jalapeños?

The spiciness level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of jalapeño used.

Feel free to increase or decrease the amount based on your tolerance for heat.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of vegan chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a suitable substitute if you prefer a different type of broth.

How should I store leftovers of this soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I prepare the tortilla strips in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tortilla strips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Re-crisp them in the oven or toaster oven if needed before serving.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change upon thawing.

Consider freezing the soup without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

What can I serve with this soup for a complete meal?

This soup is hearty on its own but pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.

Can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste preferences?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder according to your taste.

You can also add additional herbs or spices for more flavor complexity.