Tortillia Soup

Recipe By : Legends Rancho Deluxe by chef Michael Hanrahan

1 tablespoon canola oil
8 whole corn tortillas -- cut into 1" strips
1 cup onion -- diced
1 1/2 tablespoons jalapeno peppers -- seeded
-- minced
5 cloves garlic -- minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
42 ounces canned tomatoes -- undrained
1 tablespoon ground cumin
63 ounces chicken broth, fat free
4 whole corn tortillas -- cut into 1/4" strips
2 cups boneless skinless chicken breasts -- cooked
-- shredded
1 cup avocado -- diced
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese -- shredded
1/2 cup fresh cilantro -- chopped

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1" tortilla pieces - cook 2 minutes or until crisp - stirring occasionally.

Add the onion, jalapeno and garlic - saute 3 minutes.

Add tomato paste and tomatoes - bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes.

Stir in cumn and broth - bring to a boil. reduce heat to medium and simmer - uncovered - 40 minutes or until reduced to 8 cups.

Place half of soup in a blender - process until smooth - pour into a bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining soup. Return pureed soup to pan. Cook over medium-low heat until thoroughly heated.

Arrange tortilla strips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 for 7 minutes or until crisp - set aside.

Divide chicken and avocado evenly amoung 8 soup bowls. Pour soup into each bowl and top with cheddar cheese, cilantro and tortilla strips.