Vegan Tortilla Soup

3.8 (3 reviews)

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
7 cloves garlic, minced
2 chipotle or fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
1 pasilla or Anaheim pepper, seeded and chopped
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups faux chicken broth (try Osem or Telma brands, available in the kosher section of supermarkets)
Vegetable oil for frying
12 white corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
2 tsp. salt, plus extra to sprinkle on the tortillas
Juice from one freshly squeezed lime
2 ripe avocados, cut into small chunks
4 Tbsp. nondairy sour cream
1 green onion, chopped
2 sprigs cilantro, chopped

Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until golden.
In a blender, purée the onion, garlic, peppers, and half the can of tomatoes. Transfer the purée, along with the remaining half can of crushed tomatoes and the broth, to a large pot. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil for frying in a heavy pot over medium-high heat or in a deep-fryer. Add the tortilla strips and fry until golden brown. Transfer the strips to a paper-towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
Just before serving, add 2 tsp. salt and the lime juice to the soup and stir. Divide the avocado chunks into four soup bowls, ladle the soup over them, and garnish each with 1 Tbsp. nondairy sour cream, fried tortilla strips, green onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings