variation on a theme

another week, another poached chicken, another pot of soup. this one is a variation on chicken tortilla soup. why a variation? i forgot to buy a package of corn tortillas to cut into strips and fry up as a garnish. but i did buy an ear of corn and had some corn meal so i adapted with what i had.

ingredients:
olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. chile powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin seed or 3-4 turns on a burr grinder
4 cups chicken stock/broth
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 cup tomato sauce

1 tbsp corn meal
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp thyme

one medium potato, diced
kernels from one ear of corn
shredded cabbage

1/3 cup diced chicken meat 
1 tsp chopped cilantro
salt and pepper to taste

garnishes:
diced white onion
shredded cabbage
chopped cilantro
sliced avocado
shredded cheese
sour cream
lemon or lime wedges

method:
heat 3-qt saute pan on medium. add the olive oil and when it begins to shimmer add the onions. stir so it doesn't burn, then add the minced garlic, chile powder and cumin seed. let it fry up a bit then add the stock, tomato paste and tomato sauce. stir and bring up to a simmer then add the corn meal, oregano, thyme, potato, cabbage, and continue to cook until the potato is tender, about 5-10 minutes. stir in the corn kernels and chicken, turn off the heat and stir in the cilantro. salt and pepper to taste.

garnish as you like and enjoy!