Chicken Tortilla Soup

8 ounces carrots, diced
8 ounces celery
8 ounces onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons corn oil
4 cans chicken broth
1 can tomatoes, diced
1 can Rotel tomatoes & chilies, Diced
1 (1.25-1 1/2 ounce) packet taco seasoning
1 (10 count) package corn tortillas, broken into small pieces
12 ounces chicken meat, diced, poached or grilled fajita meat
1 cup milk
12 ounces monterey jack cheese, shredded
corn tortilla chips, broken into small pieces

Saute carrots, onions, celery in corn oil, Garlic Powder, Salt and Pepper until tender. Add chicken broth and bring to boil. Add tomatoes, Rotel, taco seasoning, and chicken. Cut Tortillas into small pieces and add to broth mixture. Let boil for 20 minutes or until tortillas are thoroughly incorporated into soup stirring occasionally to keep from sticking. Reduce heat and add 8 oz. cheese. Simmer for additional 10 minutes. Add milk and simmer for additional 10 minutes. If thicker soup is desired, add more diced tortillas and let incorporate into soup. Garnish with shredded cheese and broken tortilla chips. Substitutions: 1 cup Masa Harina (Masa Flour) for 1 12 ct. package of Yellow Corn Tortillas Gradually add masa flour mixing into broth. Mixing thoroughly into broth. If thicker soup is desired, add more masa flour.

Comment: My favorite Tortilla Soup is from the Red Robin. This is almost identical. Very easy. I would start with 8 tortillas and go up from there - 10 was a little thicker then I like. You can always add more.

6 servings