TORTILLA SOUP WITH FIRE-ROASTED CORN AND CHIPOTLE CREMA

TORTILLA SOUP WITH FIRE-ROASTED CORN AND CHIPOTLE CREMA image

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

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Ingredients

1 ear corn, shucked
1 poblano pepper, or 1 pasilla or green bell pepper and 1 jalapeno pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 cup chopped onions
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 tablespoon tomato paste
6 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
6 stale corn tortillas, cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips
1 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and chopped, for garnish
Chipotle Crema, accompaniment, recipe follows
Chipotle Crema:
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt

Steps:

Set a stovetop burner to medium heat, and, using a pair of tongs, hold the corn directly over the fire. Roast the corn over the open flame until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Rotate the corn and continue roasting until the entire surface of the corn is browned. Set the corn aside to cool, and once cooled, cut the kernels from the cob and set aside until ready to use. Use the same technique with the poblano pepper, being sure to char the skin until it is black. Once the pepper is charred, place in a sealable plastic bag and allow to steam. After 5 minutes, remove the pepper from the bag and peel off the charred skin. Discard the seeds and stem end, and set the pepper aside. In a Dutch oven or large heavy pot, heat the oil on medium-high heat. Season the chicken with cumin, salt and coriander. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until brown. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Dice the poblano and add. Add the corn and reserve some for garnish. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add the cilantro and lime juice, stir to combine, and remove from the heat. Cover to keep warm. Heat the oil in a heavy pot or electric fryer to 350 degrees F. Add the tortilla strips in batches and fry until golden and crisp, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with the Essence. Ladle the soup into 4 or 6 serving bowls. Garnish each serving with some of the diced avocado, reserved charred corn, fried tortilla strips, and Chipotle Crema. Chipotle Crema: Place all the ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Serve with the soup.