I wish I could cook up clever and creative names for my recipes. I’m going to make that my foodie resolution for the new year. My names are so boring. I mean Taco Soup? Really? Does that pique your interest? It feels plain and uninspired. I could name it Reeni Soup; it worked for Ceaser and his salad! But that’s too easy. I need a system for invention. I guess the best place to start is at the beginning. It was a snowy, blustery day that woke up my craving for this hearty, stick-to-your ribs soup. I had a roasted chicken carcass destined for the soup pot and a taste for something on the spicy side. Hmmm. How about Snowy Day Soup? See it’s easier than I thought. All it takes is getting to the heart of it. Snowy Day Taco Soup. There. That’s a little better. Yes?
Anywhoo… this soup was everything I anticipated. The smell as it simmered was exactly that of a taco and it did not let me down in the flavor department. It tasted exactly like one too with its richly spiced broth, tender meat and juicy corn. Chunky potatoes add to its heartiness. I know potatoes aren’t typically associated with tacos but I’ve included them in a beef taco before and they really go well. On its own it was delicious but I felt like it was missing something. And it was. The toppings, especially the cheese and lettuce bring everything together and round out the flavors tremendously. Don’t skimp on them(!) and you’ll have all the familiar flavors of a taco plus some.
You don’t have to wait for a snowy day to make this soup. But if you find yourself snowed in amidst a storm this is precisely what is called for to warm your body as well as your soul; from the top of your head to your tummy to your cold little tippy toes!
