Craving some delicious Qdoba tortilla soup, but don’t feel like waiting in a long line? We’ve got you covered! Our easy-peasy copycat recipe will show you how to whip up your delicious Qdoba-style tortilla soup right in your kitchen.
Prepare for a flavor explosion as we walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this tasty soup from scratch.
No more fuss, just pure comfort in a bowl. So, let’s dive into this flavorful adventure together and enjoy some homemade Qdoba tortilla soup like never before!
Jump to:
- Why you’ll love this recipe
- Why ingredients do you need to make Qdoba tortilla soup
- Substitutions for this Qdoba tortilla soup
- Variations to experiment with different combinations
- Southwest Corn Tortilla Soup:
- Spicy Black Bean Tortilla Soup:
- How to refrigerate, freeze and thaw
- Tips for making the best Qdoba tortilla soup at home
- What to serve with Qdoba soup
- Qdoba Tortilla Soup: Copycat Recipe
- Frequently asked questions about Qdoba tortilla soup
Why you’ll love this recipe
1. Rich and Flavorful: This Qdoba tortilla soup recipe offers a delicious and satisfying flavor profile that people will love. With a blend of spices, including chili seasoning, cumin, and crushed red pepper, the soup delivers a delightful smoky and spicy taste. The combination of minced onions, sweet peppers, and garlic adds depth and richness to the soup, making it a flavorful and comforting dish.
2. Versatile and Customizable: One of the great aspects of this recipe is its versatility. It allows you to use various vegetables you have on hand and personalize the soup according to your preferences. You can add veggies like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini to enhance the nutritional value and texture of the soup. By customizing the toppings and garnishes, such as shredded Colby Jack cheese, lime slices, cilantro, avocado slices, corn chips, and sour cream, you can create a unique flavor experience each time you make the soup.
3. Easy and Convenient: Making this Qdoba tortilla soup from scratch is straightforward and doesn’t require complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The recipe provides clear instructions, making it accessible for novice and experienced cooks. Additionally, the soup can be prepared in around 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy individuals or families looking for a quick and satisfying meal. By following this recipe, you can enjoy the flavors and comfort of Qdoba tortilla soup in the comfort of your own home without the need to wait in line at the restaurant.
Why ingredients do you need to make Qdoba tortilla soup
1. Vegetable oil or butter: This ingredient serves as the cooking fat for sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic. It adds moisture and helps caramelize the vegetables, enhancing their flavor.
2. Onions: Onions provide a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the soup. They are minced and sautéed to add depth and aroma to the dish.
3. Sweet peppers: These peppers add a touch of sweetness and mild heat to the soup. They contribute to the overall flavor and provide a pleasant crunch when minced.
4. Garlic: Garlic is known for its intense and aromatic flavor. It adds a rich, savory taste to the soup and complements the other ingredients.
5. Chili seasoning mix: This pre-made mix typically includes a blend of spices like chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. It adds a robust, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor to the soup.
6. Cumin: A warm and earthy spice commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It imparts a distinct flavor to the soup, enhancing its depth and richness.
7. Crushed red pepper seasoning: Crushed red pepper flakes or seasoning add a hint of heat and spiciness to the soup. The amount can be adjusted according to personal preference.
8. Chicken broth: Chicken broth serves as the base liquid for the soup, providing a savory and comforting flavor. It adds depth and richness to the overall taste of the dish.
9. Crushed tomatoes: These canned tomatoes are pureed or crushed, giving the soup a thick and smooth texture. They contribute to the overall tomato flavor and richness of the soup.
10. Diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes are also canned and provide texture to the soup. They add small chunks of tomato, adding variety and substance to each bite.
11. Cooked chicken: The cooked and shredded chicken adds protein and substance to the soup. It can be leftover roasted or grilled chicken, making it a great way to use leftovers.
Toppings:
– Shredded Colby Jack cheese adds a creamy and slightly tangy flavor to the soup. It melts into the hot soup and provides a comforting element.
– Lime slice: A lime slice is often squeezed over the soup before eating to add a bright, citrusy acidity that enhances the overall flavors.
– Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves add a refreshing and herbaceous flavor to the soup. They can be sprinkled on top as a garnish.
– Avocado slices: Avocado slices add creaminess and a mild, buttery flavor to the soup. They provide a nice contrast in texture and taste.
– Corn chips: Corn chips add crunch and a slightly salty taste to the soup. They can be used as a topping or even dipped into the soup for added texture.
– Sour cream: Sour cream adds creaminess and tanginess to the soup. It can be dolloped on top or stirred into the soup for added richness.
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying tortilla soup.
Substitutions for this Qdoba tortilla soup
Vegetable oil or butter substitution: You can substitute vegetable or butter with olive oil. It is a healthier option and adds a subtle fruity flavor to the soup.
Chicken broth substitution: If you prefer a vegetarian version or don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can replace it with vegetable broth. It will still provide a flavorful base for the soup.
Crushed tomato substitution: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you can use tomato sauce as a substitute. Remember that tomato sauce is more concentrated, so you may need to adjust the quantity or add water to achieve the desired consistency.
Cooked chicken substitution: If you have leftover cooked turkey from a previous meal, it can be a great substitute for chicken. It will still add protein and a similar texture to the soup.
Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences when choosing substitutions. These alternatives should still provide a delicious outcome while accommodating ingredient availability or nutritional needs.
Variations to experiment with different combinations
Here are two variations of the Qdoba tortilla soup recipe that change a couple of things to create different styles of soup:
Southwest Corn Tortilla Soup:
– Add 1 cup of frozen corn kernels to the soup and the onions, peppers, and garlic. The corn will add a touch of sweetness and texture to the soup, giving it a Southwestern flair.
– Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it a vegetarian-friendly option.
– For toppings, garnish with crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of Mexican cheese blend. The tortilla chips add a nice crunch, the avocado adds creaminess, and the cheese adds melty, cheesy goodness.
Spicy Black Bean Tortilla Soup:
– Instead of using chicken, add one can (15 ounces) of black beans, rinsed and drained, to the soup. The black beans will provide a strong and protein-rich element.
– Increase the amount of crushed red pepper seasoning or chopped jalapeño pepper to make the soup spicier.
– For toppings, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of sour cream. The cilantro and lime juice add a refreshing element, while the bad cream balances out the heat.
How to refrigerate, freeze and thaw
Refrigerating:
1. Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature.
2. Transfer the soup to an airtight container or place it directly in a refrigerator-safe pot with a lid.
3. Seal the container tightly to prevent air from entering.
4. Place the soup in the refrigerator and ensure it is stored at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
5. The refrigerated soup should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing:
1. Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature.
2. Ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some headspace in the containers or bags, as the soup will expand as it freezes.
3. Seal the containers or bags tightly, ensuring no air is trapped inside.
4. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
5. Place the containers or bags in the freezer and store them at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
6. The frozen soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
1. transfer the desired amount of soup to a pot or microwave-safe bowl if reheating from the refrigerator.
2. Heat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer. Be sure to heat it thoroughly but avoid boiling to prevent overcooking.
3. If using a microwave, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat in intervals, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through.
4. If reheating from frozen, it is recommended to thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, following the same instructions as above.
5. Once the soup is reheated, serve it hot and enjoy!
Remember always to follow proper food safety guidelines when storing and reheating leftovers.
Tips for making the best Qdoba tortilla soup at home
- To ensure the chicken is not overcooked, cook it separately before adding it to the soup. You can grill, roast, or poach the chicken breasts until they are cooked. Overcooking can result in dry and tough chicken.
- Allow the sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic to cook until soft and slightly caramelized. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the soup.
- When adding the seasonings, such as chili seasoning mix, cumin, and crushed red pepper, stir them into the sautéed vegetables and cook for a minute or two. This allows the spices to bloom and release their flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
- Remember to add the toppings and garnishes just before serving the soup. This will ensure freshness and prevent the toppings from becoming soggy.
- Allow the soup to rest briefly, around 10-15 minutes, after cooking if possible. This resting time allows the flavors to develop further and meld together, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious soup.
What to serve with Qdoba soup
- Mexican Rice: Serve the tortilla soup with flavorful Mexican rice. The rice can be cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices to complement the soup.
- Black Bean Salad: Prepare a refreshing black bean salad with ingredients like black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, and a tangy lime vinaigrette. This salad adds a burst of freshness and protein to the meal.
- Guacamole and Chips: Serve the tortilla soup with homemade guacamole and chips. The creamy and flavorful guacamole pairs well with the soup, and the chips add a satisfying crunch.
- Mexican Street Corn: Prepare grilled or roasted corn on the cob and brush it with a mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. This side dish adds a smoky and savory element to the meal.
Qdoba Tortilla Soup: Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions minced
- 4 sweet peppers minced
- 7 garlic cloves minced
- 1 package chili seasoning mix
- Cumin to taste
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2-14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 4 cups cooked chicken shredded
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onions and pepper and sauté for 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. Add the chili seasoning, cumin and red pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes or until the spices become fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and stir. Incorporate the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and shredded chicken and stir. To the heat to medium-low and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and serve with toppings.
Frequently asked questions about Qdoba tortilla soup
QDOBA offers a delightful tortilla soup called Loaded Tortilla Soup. This soup combines hot tortilla soup with the guest’s choice of savory meats, rice, and beans. It is complemented by delicious flavors like sour cream, pico de gallo, 3-Cheese Queso, and guacamole. What’s even better is that guacamole is free on the soup! This soup is packed with a storm front of flavors and is served in a crunchy, edible tortilla bowl.
Tortilla Soup, known as Sopa De Tortilla in Spanish, is a humble Mexican soup people enjoy daily. It is not a dish reserved for celebrations but a simple comfort food. The name “tortilla soup” originates from the generous topping of crispy tortillas placed on top of the soup, adding texture and flavor to the dish.
Yes, Qdoba’s Loaded Tortilla Soup can be made completely vegan. You can choose between a crunchy tortilla shell or a bowl. Then you can load up the tortilla soup with vegan-friendly ingredients such as beans, the Impossible protein (plant-based meat substitute), or the fajita veggies. This allows vegan customers to enjoy a warm and satisfying winter dinner at Qdoba.
Leave a Reply