Tortilla Soup is a soup served over pieces of tortillas. It is of American Southwest origin and it mainly uses ingredients used in Mexican cuisines including corn or flour tortillas. It has many variations, but the consistent element is the tortillas. The soup is either poured over the tortillas or the tortillas are used as a garnish. The basic broth is either made with chicken stock or beef stock. The stock also has tomatoes, garlic, onions and the Mexican herb Epazote added to it.
One serving of the 8oz ladle of Tortilla Soup has 130 calories. Total fat content is 4g, with 2g of saturated fat. It has 15mg of cholesterol and 0 transfat. Total carbohydrates are 19g, dietary fiber 2g, sugars 3g and protein 6g. it contains 340mg of Sodium and 330mg of Potassium. This soup has 23% Vitamin A, 11% Vitamin C, Calcium 8% and Iron 8%.
In a 1-cup serving of tortilla soup, one can get 235 calories. The fat content delivers 120 calories, proteins provide 40 calories and carbohydrates provide 75 calories per serving. This calorie-rich food, gets much of its nutritional value from fats (specially the saturated fats), and carbohydrates. Although this soup is nutritious, providing ample of calories, minerals and vitamins, it is also high in saturated fats. The 1 cup serving of the soup gives 19 g of saturated fat that is more than 100 percent of the daily recommended intake. To help minimize the chances of heart disease, it is better to consume this soup occasionally.
However, the ingredients used in making Tortilla Soup have its own health benefits. The olive oil used in this soup is the best source of poly-phenol an amazing anti-oxidant. The main ingredient which is the chicken broth contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur which helps build up bones and balance hormones. This soup is the best comfort food for common cold and flu viruses.
