Turkey/Chicken Tortillia Soup

1 C Chicken or Turkey ( I use our left over smoked turkey breast and slow cook until the remainder of the meat almost falls off, or left over slow cooked chicken from the crockpot)
2-3 Carrots, sliced
2-3 Celery stalks, sliced
1 large bell pepper
2 med onions
6-8 Cups chicken soup base or stock (I use the dry boullion style soup base)
1 pkg Taco seasoning
1/2 bunch cilantro chopped fine (optional)I have made it both ways and it is good either way so if you dont like cilantro feel free to leave it out
Jalepeno (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cheddar Cheese, or Pepper Jack

Corn tortilias cut in 1/2 strips and deep fried. (15-20 tortillas are a good start but they are never enough in our house!)

Saute onion and pepper for about 5-7 minutes. In 5 quart dutch oven or large stock pot combine carrots, celery, onion, bell pepper, meat, broth and taco seasoning and cook to desired consistency(some like their veggies softer than others). Thicken with 1/2 cup flour mixed with 1 cup cold water, bring to a boil and add cilantro last and remove from heat. Top with fried tortilla strips and cheese. Enjoy

This message was edited Tuesday, Dec 11th 3:31 PM