As the Pavilion’s Executive Chef, I am constantly searching for great simple ingredients that a little kitchen alchemy can turn into a beautiful composed dish. The hunger bags present an amazing opportunity to a chef as they are the items that the Food Bank needs most, and also during a time when kids are out of school and no longer receiving the meal assistance that is offered during the school year. Our children are our future, and I strongly advocate involving your children or grandchildren in the kitchen. Simple, safe, and fun tasks such as shucking corn or starting an herb garden allow kids to get their hands dirty and learn about the importance of healthy, nutritious food in their lives. I invite you to try the recipe below, which focuses on the importance addressing of our communities’ direct needs and our ability to change the face of hunger.Chef’s Tip: Tortilla soup is traditionally served with a number of garnishes allowing the diner to customize their eating experience! Choose produce that you can slice fresh to add a variety of textures and flavors. Crunchy radishes, crisp shredded cabbage, and vibrant herbs such as cilantro all make great additions to this soup. This is also a great way for kids to learn about and try different veggies!Fun Fact: This tortilla soup recipe utilizes the whole kernel sweet corn from the Hunger Bags which is pureed into the soup base. This method allows the natural sweetness of the corn to enhance the soup, also lending beautiful supporting flavors to the corn tortillas which are the namesake of the dish.RECIPE: QUICK AND EASY TORTILLA SOUPPreparation time: 20 mins | Number of servings: 4Ingredients:– 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter- 1 cup Tortilla Chips, crushed- 2 “15 oz. cans” Signature Kitchens Tomato Sauce- 2 “15 oz. cans” Signature Kitchens Diced Tomatoes- 1 “15 oz. can” Signature Kitchens Whole Kernel Corn, drained and rinsed- 1 cup or more as needed Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock- 2 teaspoons Cumin, ground- 2 teaspoons Mexican Oregano, dried (if not available use standard oregano)– As needed: Kosher Salt and ground Black PepperOptional Garnishes:– 1 bunch Radishes, sliced- 1 cup Signature Kitchens canned black beans, rinsed and drained- 1 bunch Cilantro, washed, leaves only- 1 cup Tortilla Chips, crushed- 1 avocado Fresh Avocado, slicedCustomize to your preference! Seasonal vegetables of your choice: tomatoes, bell peppers, roasted summer squash, roasted corn, or shredded cabbage.Instructions:1. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add butter and toast tortilla chips for until crispy and golden brown. Add all other soup ingredients and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat. 2. Prepare a blender by removing the middle insert of the cap (this will allow the steam to escape as the soup purees). Fill the blender to no more than half capacity with soup, place the lid on the blender, and cover the hole in the lid with a folded kitchen towel. This process is vital to follow as the soup releases lots of steam when pureed and needs to be vented.3. Puree all of the soup until a smooth consistency is reached, adding additional chicken or vegetable stock if you prefer a thinner soup. Serve with optional garnishes above and enjoy!
