Tofu (or chicken) Tortilla Soup

Another KindSoups success!  Everyone took seconds!  Served with avocado, cilantro, plain yogurt.  Would also add red onion.  Takes time, but not difficult.

Ingredients

• 4 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts (vegetarians may replace with a few cans of hominy)
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 tsp. cumin (plus some coriander)
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 c. diced onion
• 1 diced green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (10 ounces) Rotel Tomatoes & Green Chilies
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 6 tbsp. tomato paste
• 4-5 c. hot water (add more as needed)
• 4 cans (15 ounces) black beans, drained (or use dried beans, rinse, simmer for ~ 1 hour)
• 3 tbsp. cornmeal or masa (I actually thought this detracted from the color and taste)
• 10 whole corn tortillas, cut into uniform strips around 2 to 3 inches - toast some of these for topping
• (Sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, pico de gallo, salsa, grated Monterey Jack cheese and/or cilantro, for garnishing, at least for your own)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375˚. Mix cumin, chili pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on the tofu or chicken breasts, then sprinkle a small amount of spice mix on both sides. Set aside the rest of the spice mix.  If using tofu, you can do this in the toaster oven.
• Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done. Use two forks to shred chicken. For tofu, it took about 30 minutes at 375-400 degrees, Just watch it as you’re cooking the soup).  Set aside.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add onions, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and begin cooking, then add the rest of the spice mix. Stir to combine, then add tofu or shredded chicken and stir.
• Pour in Rotel, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes, uncovered.
• Mix cornmeal with a small amount of water - I might skip this next time. Pour into the soup, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Check seasonings, adding more if needed—add more chili powder if it needs more spice, and be sure not to undersalt. Turn off heat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Five minutes before serving, gently stir in tortilla strips.
• Ladle into bowls, then top with sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, pico de gallo, grated cheese and/or, if you have it! (The garnishes really make the soup even more delicious.)