Spicy Taco Soup

This makes three posts in a row that start with the word "spicy." I think I officially have a problem!

I have been battling a cold all week and felt that something spicy was just what I needed. I don't know if there is any scientific evidence, but there is something about spicy food that seems to make you feel better, or like you are doing something to help show the cold its way to the door. Ok, so it may all be in my head, but that's fine because the spicy soup I created tonight turned out to be just what I was craving.

I have heard of "taco soup" but never made it. I looked at a few recipes and didn't like them - cans of rotel or spicy tomatoes, and beans are what turned me off. I'd rather spice up my own soup, and I'm not the biggest black bean fan. Instead, I took my favorite flavors and ingredients and created my own soup.

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 each red and green pepper, chopped
• 1 serrano chile, seeded and chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 14 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp chile powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Optional: 1/2 tsp adobo seasoning (I had it so I threw it in!)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Juice from 1/2 of a lime
• Toppings: sliced green onions, shredded cheese (I used cheddar-jack), and sour cream

Directions

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a soup pot. Add meat and cook until browned.
• Add onions, saute 1 min
• Add all of the peppers and garlic, saute 2 min
• Add spices and mix
• Add tomatoes and mix
• Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer for 20 minutes
• Add lime juice and let simmer just a few more minutes before serving

I've got to say, I did a pretty good job with this one! I tasted it before and after adding the lime juice, and am so glad I made the decision to add it. It brightened up the flavors, and gave it the familiar taste from a good tortilla soup.

Now this may not be the most authentic Mexican recipe, but I'm giving it a Mexican tag because of the flavors. I'm also submitting this Mexican inspired dish to Joelen's Foodie Films Event, where this month's film is Tortilla Soup. Definitely appropriate! You can check out her blog here.