Tortilla Soup

I'm not sure I can really call this tortilla soup since there are technically no tortillas in it.  HOWEVER, it is delicious and easy and you should stop what you're doing and make it now!  I have made this friendly to the cleanse we are doing but if you want to add beans (black would be nice) feel free.  You could also garnish at the end with extra cilantro, cheese and sour cream.  Go crazy!

Tortilla Soup (adapted from food.com)

1 t. olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 green onions, diced

1 red, yellow or green pepper, diced

3-4 ribs celery, diced

1 c. frozen corn (I like the frozen fire roasted corn from Trader Joe's)

1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes

4 c. low fat chicken broth

1/3 c. salsa (I use Herdez)

1/3 c. fresh cilantro

1 t. cumin

1 t. chili powder

1/2 t. dried basil

1 large (or 2 small) chicken breasts, cooked and diced (optional)

Saute onions, garlic, green onions, pepper and celery in olive oil until tender.  Add remaining ingredients to the pot, simmer until all the veggies are tender.

To make ahead prepare recipe as listed above and refrigerate or freeze in individual servings.  If frozen, thaw completely before reheating.

Serves 4 (264 calories each) according to my calculator on loseit.com