Matthew Broderick, celebrated for his iconic performance in \"Ferris Bueller's Day Off,\" has also shown a lesser-known talent for cooking. He generously shared his recipe for a comforting tortilla soup in the \"Newman's Own Cookbook\" from the 1990s. With autumn's arrival and the air turning crisp, this smoky and delightful soup is perfect for warming up. Broderick's version incorporates his unique touches and a blend of spices, allowing for personalized adjustments to suit individual taste preferences.
The preparation begins by charring three large, ripe tomatoes in a hot, oiled cast-iron skillet under the broiler, turning them until evenly blackened. After cooling, the tomatoes are cored and halved. Meanwhile, olive oil is heated in a stockpot, where garlic cloves and a chopped yellow onion are softened. A seeded and torn jalapeño and a 24-ounce can of chopped, peeled tomatoes are then added, followed by the blackened tomatoes. Spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder are incorporated to taste, along with cilantro and bay leaves. Chicken stock is added, and water is used to cover the ingredients, bringing the mixture to a boil before simmering for 30 minutes. In parallel, corn tortillas are charred over an open grill or in a hot, unoiled cast-iron skillet. Once cool, the tortillas are broken into pieces and added to the simmering soup for an additional 15 minutes, after which the bay leaves are removed. Broderick suggests blending the soup at this stage to achieve an extra creamy texture and infuse every bite with tortilla flavor.
To conclude, the soup's consistency is adjusted with additional chicken stock, and it's seasoned with salt and pepper. Broderick recommends serving it with tortilla chips, avocado, and sour cream. For those who enjoy added protein, cooked chicken pieces or a can of black beans can be incorporated. The recipe is easily made vegetarian by substituting vegetable stock and ensuring that corn tortillas without animal fat are used. Experimentation with ingredients like poblano peppers for a milder heat, fresh or frozen corn to extend the dish, and alternative spices such as cayenne pepper, coriander, smoked paprika, or oregano can further customize the soup. Garnish options include crema, cheese, scallions, or a squeeze of lime, ensuring this simple yet robust soup provides warmth and satisfaction throughout the colder months.
