Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 quarts chicken broth
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 boiling potato, diced
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile in adobo, pureed
  • 1 teaspoon pickled jalapeno pepper, chile seeded chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon cumin
  • salt, to taste
  • white pepper, to taste
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 yellow squash, diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 lime, juice of
  • 2 tablespoons sweet sherry (preferably Harvey's Bristol Cream)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh mint, chopped
  • Garnishes
  • 4 corn tortillas (cut into thin strips)
  • oil
  • 1/2 lb monterey jack cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices avocados
  • fresh cilantro leaves

Method

  • Poach chicken breast in simmering chicken broth until done through, about 10 minutes.
  • Set aside until cool enough to handle and shred.
  • Combine chicken broth, chicken, red onion, carrots, potato, tomato paste, bay leaf, garlic, chipotle and jalapeno chilies, oregano, cumin and salt and pepper in large saucepan.
  • Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
  • Correct seasoning, if necessary.
  • Add zucchini, squash, pepper, lime juice and Sherry.
  • Bring again to boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
  • Add cilantro and mint.
  • Stir, then remove from heat.
  • To assemble, fry tortilla strips in hot oil until crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  • Ladle soup into each bowl.
  • Sprinkle with shredded cheese and tortilla strips.
  • Garnish each bowl with avocado slice and sprig cilantro. Serve at once.