Chicken Tortilla Soup with Lime

I'm always looking for new tortilla soup recipes. This is a winner!

• 2 Tb olive oil
• 1-1/2 pounds chicken tenders (get real--just use whatever chicken you have!)
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 1/2 Tb ground cumin
• 1 Tb ground coriander
• 2 c yellow corn tortilla chips
• 2 tsp hot sauce, such as Tabasco
• 1 qt chicken stock or broth
• 1/2 c sour cream
• zest and juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 c fresh cilantro, chopped (as always, optional)
• 2 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced

Preheat a medium soup pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the hot soup pot. Lightly brown the chicken, 3-4 minutes, then add the garlic, bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, celery, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

While that is cooking, places the chips in a plastic storage bag and crush with a rolling pin. Add the ground tortilla chips to the soup pot and stir to combine. Add the chicken stock/broth and lime juice and bring the soup to a simmer. Simmer the soup for 15 minutes.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sour cream. Add the lime zest, cilantro, and sliced scallions to taste.