Tortilla Soup

My mother-in-law recently gave me a treasure that has been sitting un-used in her basement for the past several years. A Vita-mix! I have been using this gem every single day (sometimes multiple times!) for everything from making smoothies, to making lunch, to even grinding meat! Here's a yummy garden soup that I put together last week when I needed something quick and easy for lunch. Mmmm!

Tortilla Soup

1 large carrot
4 large tomatoes
1/2 bunch cilantro
1 small onion
2 large green chile peppers
2 cloves garlic
2 cups water
1 Tbsp chicken soup base
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 ear corn, removed from cob
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast- cooked and cut into quarters
tortilla chips

Place tomatoes, onion, green chiles, carrot, cilantro, and garlic into Vita-mix. Pour in water, chicken soup base, and seasonings. Start Vita-mix on speed #2, gradually turn dial to #10 then switch to high. Process 4-5 minutes until soup is hot. Add chicken, corn and a handful of tortilla chips. Cover, and process on speed #2 for about 30 seconds. Pour into bowls and serve with cheese and chips if you desire.

*To make this recipe without a Vita-mix: Coarsely shred carrots and finely chop remaining vegetables and chicken. Add all to a 3 qt. saucepan and cook until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer until soup is desired consistency.