Tortilla Soup (Tortilla Corbasi)-Mexican

Tortilla Soup (Tortilla Corbasi)-Mexican

3-4 piece 6 inch corn tortillas
¼ cup canola oil
1 onion, chopped
2 gloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 medium pepper, chopped (mix chili and pepper if desired)
4 cups chicken broth/stock
1 ½ cups tomato, diced
1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
½ cup mild melting cheese (Monterey jack/cheddar), shredded
1 cup corn kernels (optional)
1 ripe avocado
Chopped cilantro/parsley/dill
1 lime/lemon, cut into wedges
¼ tsp cumin (optional)
½ tsp sugar
1 tsp salt to taste

Cut the tortillas into 2 inch long finger strips and fry them in a large skillet with the canola oil. Both sides should be lightly browned. Leave them aside.
In a pot, sauté onions over medium heat with the remaining oil. Then, stir in garlic and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes and add tomatoes, salt and sugar. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat. Simmer for 10 minutes and stir in chicken and cook for 5 more minutes. Then turn the heat off and add cumin and corn kernels (optional).
To serve, cut the avocado into 1 inch slices. Divide tortilla strips into bowls, ladle in soup. And then, top with avocado, cheese and cilantro/parsley/dill. Serve warm with lime/lemon wedges.