REFRIED BEAN SOUP

1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 (31 oz) can refried beans
1 (16 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained (rotel)
1 (14 1/2 oz) can ready-to-serve chicken broth
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
6 corn tortillas
8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese (2 cups)
1 (8 oz) carton sour cream

Cook onion and garlic in oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until tender.

Add beans and next 3 ingredients, stirring until smooth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in cilantro, if desired.

Cut tortillas into thin strips; spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool.

Ladle soup into individual soup bowls; top with tortilla strips, cheese, and sour cream. Serve immediately.

Makes 7 cups
Source: Southern Living; Sherry Alexander