Taco Soup

This family favourite arrived from the U.S. of A.  There are unashamedly no intentions of Mexican authenticity.  Is it tasty?  Yes. Convenient?  Yes. Bright and a little spicy? Of course.

The recipe I discovered is aimed for a US Kitchen (with handy ingredients such as canned green chilli).  The original (that is cheerfully used as a guide) also feeds an 'army' too.  Modifications were required and here is the finished creation.

I hope you like the little mountainous back-drop of tortilla chips? I was somewhat proud,

Ingredients, serves (4):

Vegetables/aromats:

1 TBSP avocado oil

1 large, brown /yellow onion chopped

1 celery stalk, finely sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)

1 green birds eye chilli, finely chopped (jalapeño swap) 

1 cup of corn, wok seared with 1/2 tsp hot smoked paprika

Spices/herbs:

1/2 tsp hot smoked paprika (yes, more)

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chipotle flakes

1/2 tsp hot sauce (cholula)

1/2 tsp dried oregano

(Salt and pepper, smoked salt if you have it, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper)

Meat:

250g or half a pound of lean ground beef

Tins/cans and liquid (no shame):

1 400g tin of diced tomatoes

1 400g tin of black beans in water

1 400g tin measure of beef stock (easy to use the tin)

Garnish:

Grated medium cheddar cheese and Tortilla chips.  Avocado can work too. Pico de gaillo is also never an enemy here.

(The ingredients might read overwhelming, however many are readily available and perhaps in your kitchen.  Finally, this is one flexible recipe.  Just make it your own).

Method (it's quick):

Brown onion and celery in a medium sized pan with avocado oil and smoked salt if you have some (around 10 minutes lid on, medium heat).

Add green chilli, garlic and spices,  saute 1 minute longer.

Add the beef mince and brown, around 5 minutes medium heat (stir occassionally).

Stir in tomatoes, oregano, beef broth and cover with a lid, simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the paprika spiced corn and black beans, cook for 5 minutes, until heated through. 

Serve with fixings!  Tortilla chips, cheese, lime and hot sauce (in my case).

More Mexican inspiration:

Mexican Chicken Wings Cola Glazed