Chicken Tortilla Soup (Fast and Cheap!)

This is how my Mother-in-Law taught me to make tortilla soup. It's a great use of leftovers and a very quick meal for a bunch! The serranos are VERY hot and will burn skin and eyes, so use caution.

• Ready In: 29 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  quarts water (as much as desired) or 2  quarts chicken broth (as much as desired)
• 4  chicken bouillon cubes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons cumin (comino)
• 1 (10 ounce) can  tomato soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1  onion, chopped
• 2  cups  cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 5  serrano peppers, seeded and chopped, to taste or 5  jalapenos
•  shredded cheese
•  tortilla chips
• 1  bunch cilantro

Directions

1. In a large stock pot add as much water or chicken broth as desired for the quantity of soup you need.
2. Add boullion, spices, soup and tomatoes (including liquid), onion, chicken, and some of the peppers (reserve some for garnish, if you have mild soup eaters do not add serranos at all, allow individuals to add them to their bowl) and some of the cilantro (reserving some for garnish).
3. Heat soup through and allow to simmer until ready to serve.
4. To serve, place desired amount of crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese and peppers in an individual bowl. Top with hot soup. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
5. Top additionally with avocado, corn, cooked rice, sour cream, or any other toppings you enjoy!