I’m all about a festive holiday meal, but the night of Halloween there is always lots going on, and preparing a big feast is the last thing I want to worry about. This year, I am changing our family tradition and doing a themed Halloween dinner on the Sunday before Halloween, on a day when I have time and space to prepare. The night of Halloween is all about costumes and candy, so I am simplifying our annual meal.


My kids’ very favorite soup right now is from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. Her Chicken Tortilla Soup is absolutely delicious, and I can count on that meal to be a win. I can prepare it ahead, serve the soup in a pumpkin if I have time, and make sure everyone is fed something healthy before the inevitable sugar rush. I’ll share the recipe below!


Ingredients:
1-2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
1 medium red or green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounce can tomato sauce
15-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 to 2 pounds (about 3 medium) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 1-inch pieces
3 to 4 corn tortillas, chopped (see note)
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, avocados, crispy tortilla strips or chips, and other desired toppings, for serving (optional)

Instant Pot Method:

1. Using the saute function, heat the olive oil and saute the onion, garlic, jalapeño and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until the onion starts to soften.
2. Add the salt, pepper, chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, chili powder, oregano, and cumin, chicken, and chopped tortillas. Stir.
3. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
4. Let the pressure naturally release for 10-15 minutes before using quick release for the remaining pressure.
5. Stir in the corn and lime juice. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve with desired toppings.

I hope you try this recipe, whether on Halloween night or another day! I’m certain you’ll love it, this soup is so delicious!

    Stefanie Hathaway
    Monthly Newsletter Contributor since 2016
    Email the author! stefanie@dvo.com