Crock-pot Tortilla Soup

Last week hubs and I were at Grocery Outlet and found some organic Tortilla Soup Base for $1! I grabbed the only two they had (even though I've never had let alone made tortilla soup) because who can pass up a quart of something organic for $1?

I looked around online and on Pinterest for some recipes and then made up my own from what sounded good. Here it is!

Ingredients:

1 quart Pacific Natural Foods Organic Soup Starter, Tortilla (this is sold at Fred Meyer/Kroger and other natural food stores)

2 lbs organic chicken (I used boneless, skinless thighs)

4 organic corn tortillas 

1 16 ounce can Organic Diced Tomatoes (I used home canned from our garden last year)

1 cup dried black beans

1 cup dried pinto beans

1 sweet pepper

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Juice from one fresh lime

1 tsp chili powder

1 Tablespoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons salt

1/4 cup diced fresh cilantro

Garnishes of your choice:

Avocado slices

Grated Cheese

Sour Cream, etc.

Dice the sweet bell pepper and cilantro

Slice up the tortillas into large, noodle like chunks. 

Then pour everything into the crock-pot. 

That's right, just dump it all in. I didn't cut up the chicken, either, only the cilantro and the bell pepper. Once it is all added to the crock-pot, then add 6 cups of water (use less water if your crock-pot is too full!). 

I cooked mine on HIGH for 7 hours. Basically it needs to cook long enough that the beans are cooked and the chicken is done. When everything is cooked, just use a large spoon and a knife to gently break up the chicken. It basically falls apart on its own because it is so tender. 

Here it is, all done, fresh from the crock-pot and garnished with fresh avocado slices. 

I cooked some rice to go on the side. 

It was amazing!! Plus the house smelled like a restaurant, which is always a plus when hubby comes home from work. 

This will definitely be a recipe we will use regularly!!