Ingredients
- 1 ear corn, shucked
- 1 poblano pepper, or 1 pasilla or green bell pepper and 1 jalapeno pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 6 stale corn tortillas, cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips
- 1 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
- 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and chopped, for garnish
- Chipotle Crema, accompaniment, recipe follows
Directions
Set a stovetop burner to medium heat, and, using a pair of tongs, hold the corn directly over the fire. Roast the corn over the open flame until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Rotate the corn and continue roasting until the entire surface of the corn is browned. Set the corn aside to cool, and once cooled, cut the kernels from the cob and set aside until ready to use. Use the same technique with the poblano pepper, being sure to char the skin until it is black. Once the pepper is charred, place in a sealable plastic bag and allow to steam. After 5 minutes, remove the pepper from the bag and peel off the charred skin. Discard the seeds and stem end, and set the pepper aside.
In a Dutch oven or large heavy pot, heat the oil on medium-high heat. Season the chicken with cumin, salt and coriander. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until brown. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Dice the poblano and add. Add the corn and reserve some for garnish. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add the cilantro and lime juice, stir to combine, and remove from the heat. Cover to keep warm.
Heat the oil in a heavy pot or electric fryer to 350 degrees F. Add the tortilla strips in batches and fry until golden and crisp, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with the Essence.
Ladle the soup into 4 or 6 serving bowls. Garnish each serving with some of the diced avocado, reserved charred corn, fried tortilla strips, and Chipotle Crema.
Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):
- 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Yield: 2/3 cup
Chipotle Crema:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Place all the ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Serve with the soup.
Yield: 1/2 cup
Photo: Tortilla Soup with Fire-Roasted Corn and Chipotle Crema Recipe
















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By Coffee in the M...
Ontario Calif
on April 13, 2012
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Thank you Emeril for this delicious Tortilla Soup didn't change a thing. It was a hit with family and friends. We like spicy and this recipe has the "kick"and flavor.
By fgielow
Philadlephia, PA
on October 10, 2010
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I've always loved tortilla soup, but Emeril's recipe takes it over the top. The complexity of flavors and textures is incredible. The soup base is quite spicy, but the chipotle crema and avocado add some coolness, and the tortilla strips add a nice crunch. When we don't have access to an ear of corn, we take frozen corn and brown it in a dry cast iron frypan. Also, when we don't feel like deep-frying, we toast the tortillas in a little corn oil in the same cast iron frypan. I can't imagine ever using a different recipe. Delicious!
By Chez_Pam
Raleigh, NC
on August 21, 2010
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This was fantastic. I used bagged tortilla chips. I added smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to the chicken while it was browning. I roasted the corn and a red pepper on my grill since I don't have a gas stove. The chipotle crema is a really nice touch, although it does just curdle up when added to the hot soup which makes it look a little unappetizing but it tastes wonderful. Easy to make and not too time consuming.
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