The mixture of directions and components designed to recreate a selected culinary providing from a restaurant chain defines a specific method to meals preparation. This includes following a set of steps to assemble and cook dinner varied elements, leading to a dish meant to emulate the flavour profile and presentation of the unique menu merchandise. For instance, people may search this to breed a well-recognized style expertise at dwelling.
The enchantment stems from varied components together with the need for cost-effectiveness, comfort, and the enjoyment of a specific restaurant’s flavors in a house setting. Replicating favored recipes may also present a way of culinary accomplishment and management over components used. Such recreations typically evoke nostalgic emotions related to the restaurant or previous eating experiences. Traditionally, demand for such culinary insights has elevated alongside the expansion of restaurant chains and heightened curiosity in dwelling cooking.
The next sections will present deeper perception into the particular parts, strategies, and concerns associated to faithfully making ready this dish, emphasizing greatest practices for sourcing components and executing the cooking course of to attain a satisfying and genuine consequence.
1. Genuine Ingredient Choice
Genuine ingredient choice varieties the bedrock of any try to recreate a specific restaurant’s culinary creation. Within the particular occasion of replicating a well known tortilla soup providing, similar to one from Max & Erma’s, the constancy to the unique components dictates the success of the endeavor. It is a direct cause-and-effect relationship; substituting lower-quality or inauthentic elements compromises the flavour profile, in the end leading to a soup that deviates from the meant style expertise. The collection of particular varieties of chiles, for instance, straight impacts the soup’s warmth degree and complexity. Utilizing generic canned tomatoes as a substitute of fire-roasted varieties diminishes the smoky depth of taste. Subsequently, procuring components that mirror these presumably used within the unique ensures a more in-depth approximation of the meant culinary end result.
The sensible significance of this understanding manifests within the want for meticulous ingredient sourcing. This typically includes researching the particular forms of peppers, tomatoes, and spices that contribute to the distinctive style. Looking for out Mexican crema slightly than substituting with bitter cream, for instance, will extra intently emulate the feel and tanginess of the unique soup. Equally, the kind of hen broth used whether or not do-it-yourself, low-sodium, or a selected model can noticeably have an effect on the general saltiness and taste depth. Moreover, the freshness of garnishes similar to cilantro and avocado considerably impacts the presentation and remaining impression of the dish. Accessing specialised components could require visiting ethnic markets or ordering on-line, highlighting the extent of dedication concerned in reaching genuine replication.
In abstract, reaching a devoted recreation necessitates diligent analysis and procurement of components. Whereas reaching a 100% good reproduction could also be elusive, prioritizing genuine ingredient choice considerably elevates the chance of success. Compromising on this facet introduces variables that inevitably alter the ultimate product. Subsequently, specializing in high quality and authenticity is paramount for any dwelling cook dinner aiming to seize the essence of a restaurant’s tortilla soup.
2. Exact Spice Mixing
The correct mixture of spices is an indispensable ingredient in emulating a selected tortilla soup providing. The diploma to which the spice mix mirrors the restaurant’s proprietary system straight impacts the ultimate taste profile. As an example, an imbalance in cumin-to-chili powder ratio will noticeably alter the heat and earthy notes of the soup. The absence of even a minor spice, similar to oregano or coriander, can disrupt the refined complexities of the unique style. The impact is cumulative; every deviation from the meant proportions contributes to a soup that more and more diverges from the goal taste.
Actual-world cases reveal the significance of exact measurement. A situation involving an tried recreation of a well known restaurant soup revealed that an unintentional overestimation of smoked paprika resulted in a dominant smoky taste that masked the opposite spices. Conversely, a deficiency in ancho chili powder contributed to a scarcity of depth and richness, resulting in a bland end result. These instances illustrate the sensitivity of the flavour composition to even minor variations in spice portions. This means meticulous adherence to specified quantities isn’t merely a suggestion however a prerequisite for reaching the specified style expertise. The pursuit of culinary exactitude is significant for profitable tortilla soup replication.
In conclusion, the correct measurement and mixing of spices represents a essential management level within the soup preparation course of. Deviations from the exact formulation compromise the meant taste profile. Overcoming this problem requires correct measuring devices, entry to high quality spices, and an understanding of how particular person spices contribute to the general taste. This method is not only a way, however a key that may assist replicate genuine flavors.
3. Vegetable Preparation Strategies
The style through which greens are ready considerably influences the feel, taste, and visible enchantment of the ultimate tortilla soup. Selections made throughout this stage straight have an effect on the general high quality of the dish.
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Dicing Consistency
Uniform dicing ensures even cooking and a constant texture all through the soup. Differing sizes of onion, bell pepper, or tomato items can result in some greens being overcooked whereas others stay undercooked. Within the context of the soup, this imbalance detracts from the general expertise. Reaching uniform measurement calls for cautious knife abilities and a focus to element throughout the chopping course of.
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Roasting vs. Sauting
The selection between roasting and sauting greens previous to their incorporation into the soup profoundly impacts taste. Roasting caramelizes the greens, concentrating their sugars and imparting a deeper, smoky word. Sauting, alternatively, preserves the greens’ pure flavors whereas softening their texture. For instance, fire-roasting tomatoes earlier than including them to the soup introduces a charred sweetness that alters the general taste profile. The collection of a preparation methodology ought to align with the specified style end result.
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Peeling and Seeding
The choice to peel or seed sure greens influences each texture and digestibility. Eradicating the pores and skin from tomatoes eliminates potential bitterness and creates a smoother texture. Seeding peppers reduces the soup’s warmth degree and eliminates powerful seeds. These concerns are notably related to people with sensitivities to texture or spice. The suitable preparation methodology relies on the particular vegetable and the specified traits of the soup.
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Vegetable Order in Recipe
The order through which the greens are added to the pot tremendously determines the style. Some must cook dinner longer to attract out their sweetness or taste like onions and garlic. Whereas some greens will give off a extra bitter style. Each has a distinct degree of cook dinner time to acquire the right taste.
These strategies, though seemingly minor, are essential for the general success of the ultimate dish. Consideration to element throughout the vegetable preparation stage contributes considerably to replicating the meant high quality of the soup.
4. Broth Taste Depth
The richness and complexity of the broth are foundational to the general high quality of a tortilla soup, and are particularly essential when aiming to emulate a selected recipe. The depth of taste within the broth serves because the canvas upon which all different components construct, dictating the ultimate style expertise. When replicating a selected tortilla soup, understanding and reaching this taste depth is paramount.
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Base Broth Choice
The preliminary collection of the broth kind hen, vegetable, or a mixture lays the groundwork for all the taste profile. As an example, a do-it-yourself hen broth, simmered for a number of hours with bones and fragrant greens, contributes a richness and collagenous mouthfeel {that a} store-bought bouillon dice merely can not replicate. When aiming for authenticity, figuring out the bottom broth kind and, if doable, the particular model or preparation methodology used within the unique recipe is essential.
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Fragrant Infusion Strategies
The tactic of infusing aromatics similar to onions, garlic, and herbs into the broth considerably impacts its complexity. Sauting these components earlier than including them to the liquid unlocks their flavors, making a deeper and extra nuanced base. Charring the onions and garlic earlier than simmering can impart a smoky undertone that mirrors genuine Mexican cooking strategies. The precise mixture and preparation of those aromatics are essential to emulating the meant taste profile.
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Spice Integration Timing
The timing of spice additions throughout the broth-making course of influences the ultimate style. Including complete spices early within the simmering course of permits their flavors to completely infuse into the liquid, making a extra harmonious mix. Floor spices, alternatively, could also be added later to protect their efficiency and stop them from turning into bitter throughout extended cooking. Understanding the optimum timing for every spice, as dictated by the particular recipe, is crucial for reaching the specified taste depth.
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Discount and Focus
Lowering the broth by simmering it uncovered for an prolonged interval concentrates its flavors, leading to a extra intense and complicated style. This method permits the flavors of the varied components to meld collectively, making a harmonious and well-rounded base for the soup. When replicating a specific recipe, the diploma of discount can considerably have an effect on the ultimate taste depth and consistency.
The weather outlined above spotlight that cautious consideration is required to make sure the broth really displays the restaurant’s unique flavors. A shallow or weak broth will end in an analogous soup, regardless of the care taken with different parts. Subsequently, it is important to be meticulous throughout the ingredient gathering and following a recipe with focus.
5. Tortilla Crispness Management
Tortilla crispness management is an integral element of a selected tortilla soup recipe, straight influencing the general texture and sensory expertise. The textural distinction between the gentle soup and the crisp tortilla strips is a defining attribute. If the tortilla strips are soggy, they fail to offer this meant textural counterpoint, diminishing the dish’s enchantment. Overly browned or burnt tortillas impart a bitter taste that detracts from the fastidiously crafted steadiness of the broth and different components. Thus, correct crispness management is crucial for replicating the meant expertise. The structural integrity of the tortilla strips straight influences the ultimate presentation, as well-formed, appropriately crisped strips improve the visible aesthetics. The feel and style mix, creating the right sensation and search for the dish.
Reaching ultimate crispness necessitates cautious administration of things similar to oil temperature, frying time, and tortilla thickness. Inadequate oil temperature ends in soggy, oil-soaked tortillas. Extreme warmth causes fast browning and potential burning. Tortillas lower too thinly are vulnerable to over-crisping and crumbling, whereas thicker strips could not obtain enough crispness all through. An actual-world instance illustrates this level: a batch of tortilla strips fried at too low a temperature resulted in a greasy, unappetizing texture, whereas one other batch left within the fryer for too lengthy turned darkish and bitter. This underscores the need of monitoring the frying course of intently and adjusting variables as wanted. Experimenting with totally different parameters ensures the perfect product.
In abstract, tortilla crispness management isn’t merely a superficial element, however a key ingredient that considerably impacts the ultimate high quality and authenticity. Efficient management hinges on exact regulation of oil temperature, frying length, and tortilla strip dimensions. Mastering these features is a requirement for faithfully recreating the meant texture and taste, and is due to this fact important for any dwelling cook dinner in search of to duplicate the soup successfully.
6. Garnish Freshness
Garnish freshness performs an important position within the total sensory expertise of a tortilla soup, notably when making an attempt to duplicate a selected recipe like that from Max & Erma’s. The impression of recent garnishes extends past mere aesthetics; they considerably contribute to the aroma, texture, and taste profile of the completed dish. Wilted or stale garnishes detract from the colourful presentation and introduce off-flavors that compromise the meant culinary end result. The cause-and-effect relationship is direct: suboptimal garnish high quality diminishes the general high quality of the soup. Think about the impact of utilizing day-old cilantro versus freshly chopped cilantro; the previous provides a muted aroma and limp texture, whereas the latter gives a shiny, herbaceous word and crisp mouthfeel, considerably enhancing the dish.
The collection of garnishes sometimes contains parts like recent cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, and typically shredded cheese or bitter cream. The freshness of every element straight influences its contribution to the general taste profile. For instance, freshly squeezed lime juice provides a shiny acidity that balances the richness of the broth, whereas lime juice saved for an prolonged interval loses its vibrancy and will develop a bitter style. Equally, ripe, however not overripe, avocado gives a creamy texture and refined nutty taste, whereas an overripe avocado turns into mushy and unpalatable. Correct storage and preparation strategies are important for sustaining garnish freshness. Cilantro ought to be saved with stems submerged in water, avocados ought to be saved complete till simply earlier than serving, and limes ought to be freshly squeezed. This consideration to element ensures that the garnishes contribute positively to the soup’s meant taste and texture.
In conclusion, garnish freshness isn’t a trivial consideration however an integral part of the replication course of. Reaching a consequence that faithfully displays the unique recipe necessitates a dedication to sourcing, storing, and making ready garnishes with meticulous care. Whereas the soup itself could also be expertly ready, compromised garnish high quality can undermine all the effort. Subsequently, prioritizing recent garnishes is a vital step in reaching an genuine and satisfying culinary expertise.
7. Temperature Administration
Temperature administration is essential in replicating a selected tortilla soup, similar to that related to Max & Erma’s. The applying of exact warmth ranges straight impacts ingredient integrity, taste growth, and total texture. For instance, sustaining the suitable simmering temperature ensures that hen stays tender with out turning into rubbery, and that greens retain their structural integrity slightly than dissolving into mush. Inadequate warmth inhibits the right melding of spices, stopping the event of the specified taste complexity. Extreme warmth can result in scorching, leading to bitter flavors that compromise all the dish. The connection between warmth and these outcomes is a direct cause-and-effect one; improper temperature management inevitably results in a deviation from the meant culinary consequence.
Think about the particular situations throughout the cooking course of. Sauting onions and garlic at too excessive a temperature causes them to burn shortly, leading to a bitter and acrid taste that permeates all the soup. Sustaining a reasonable warmth permits the onions to caramelize slowly, releasing their pure sugars and contributing a candy and savory base word. Equally, simmering the broth at a mild degree permits flavors to meld with out inflicting extreme evaporation or toughening the meat. Frying tortilla strips requires cautious monitoring of oil temperature; too low, and the strips turn into soggy; too excessive, they usually burn earlier than reaching the specified crispness. Actual-world makes an attempt to duplicate a restaurant’s soup spotlight this significance; batches cooked with out cautious temperature monitoring typically exhibit uneven textures, unbalanced flavors, and a scarcity of total cohesion.
In abstract, the profitable replication of a specific tortilla soup hinges on exact temperature administration. This includes understanding the optimum warmth ranges for every stage of the cooking course of, from sauting greens to simmering the broth and frying tortilla strips. Whereas variations in components and gear can affect outcomes, meticulous consideration to temperature gives a constant framework for reaching the specified flavors, textures, and total high quality. Overlooking this facet will result in a failure in absolutely and precisely presenting a desired tortilla soup.
8. Layering Flavors
The meticulous development of taste profiles by means of strategic layering represents a cornerstone of reaching a profitable replication. That is notably essential when emulating a posh dish just like the tortilla soup providing; the ultimate product’s authenticity hinges on the exact sequencing and integration of distinct taste parts.
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Constructing the Fragrant Base
The preliminary layer includes growing an fragrant basis by sauting onions, garlic, and different aromatics. The precise order and length of sauting affect the depth and complexity of the bottom. For instance, permitting onions to caramelize earlier than including garlic prevents the garlic from burning and imparts a sweeter word to the soup. In replicating the goal soup recipe, understanding the restaurant’s method to the bottom is paramount. Did they use roasted garlic for a deeper taste, or was the garlic merely sauted till aromatic? This determination considerably impacts the general character of the soup.
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Spice Bloom and Integration
Incorporating spices at particular factors throughout the cooking course of maximizes their taste impression. Blooming spices in oil or dry-toasting them earlier than including them to the broth unlocks unstable oils, intensifying their aroma and style. As an example, toasting cumin seeds earlier than grinding them releases a extra pronounced earthy taste. When replicating the recipe, decide the exact second at which spices are launched, whether or not they’re added complete for a refined infusion or floor for a extra assertive presence. The order through which totally different spices are launched may also create varied tastes.
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Acidic Steadiness and Brightness
Including acidic parts, similar to lime juice or tomatoes, balances the richness of the broth and brightens the general taste profile. The timing of this addition is essential; including lime juice too early may cause it to lose its vibrancy, whereas including it on the finish gives a recent, zesty end. Inspecting the recipe reveals the relative significance of acidity, and when this high quality is added. If tomatoes kind a key half, decide when they’re added to keep up an acidic taste. This provides one other layer of taste and provides to the enjoyment of the meal.
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Garnish as Taste Accents
Garnishes aren’t merely ornamental however function integral taste accents. Contemporary cilantro contributes a herbaceous word, diced avocado gives a creamy texture, and a squeeze of lime provides a remaining burst of acidity. The strategic placement and amount of garnishes improve the general sensory expertise. Think about this ingredient by choosing and presenting toppings within the appropriate trend. Contemporary components that complement each other add to the flavour of the dish.
These aspects of layering flavors, when meticulously executed, contribute considerably to reaching a devoted replication of the specified soup. The strategic mixture of tastes on this method can impression enjoyment. This course of may also be utilized to numerous meals.
9. Consistency of Texture
Consistency of texture is paramount in evaluating the profitable replication of a tortilla soup, notably when aiming to emulate a selected recipe. Deviations from the meant textural profile can considerably detract from the general eating expertise, no matter how precisely the flavors are replicated. A homogeneous mix of textures is predicted.
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Broth Viscosity
The broth’s viscosity dictates the soup’s mouthfeel and physique. A very watery broth lacks the richness and substance related to a well-executed tortilla soup. Conversely, an excessively thick broth can really feel heavy and unpalatable. The best viscosity strikes a steadiness, offering a velvety smoothness that coats the palate with out feeling greasy or starchy. For instance, if a soup’s broth is predicted to have a light-weight however noticeable physique, the addition of pureed greens or a cornstarch slurry could also be obligatory to attain the specified consistency. The precise viscosity must be discovered or it should injury the style.
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Vegetable Softness
The diploma of softness exhibited by the greens throughout the soup contributes considerably to the general texture. Overcooked greens turn into mushy and lose their particular person character, mixing into the broth and making a homogenous mass. Undercooked greens, alternatively, retain an undesirable crunch that disrupts the soup’s meant concord. The optimum vegetable softness strikes a steadiness between tenderness and structural integrity. As an example, diced tomatoes ought to be gentle sufficient to yield to mild strain however agency sufficient to keep up their form. Texture performs an vital position in vegetable steadiness.
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Tortilla Strip Crispness Retention
The flexibility of the tortilla strips to retain their crispness upon immersion within the broth is a key textural ingredient. Tortilla strips that shortly turn into soggy detract from the meant distinction between the liquid and strong elements. Components such because the thickness of the tortilla strips, the frying temperature, and the soup’s temperature all affect crispness retention. Methods like briefly toasting the strips earlier than including them to the soup might help to delay their crispness. If they don’t seem to be as much as par, this can impression the style and enjoy-ability of the tortilla soup.
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Garnish Integration
The textural contribution of garnishes, similar to avocado and cilantro, additional enriches the soup’s complexity. Diced avocado gives a creamy counterpoint to the broth and greens, whereas recent cilantro provides a shiny, herbaceous word and a slight textural distinction. Nevertheless, improper garnish preparation can negatively impression the general texture. Overripe avocado turns into mushy and unappetizing, whereas wilted cilantro loses its crispness. Correct dealing with and integration of garnishes are important for sustaining textural concord. These additional toppings give the soup the ultimate degree of texture and can add to the standard of the general consequence.
These textural parts mix to kind the anticipated mouthfeel of the dish, making this element of the method essential within the enjoyment of tortilla soup. All contributing components should be thought-about when evaluating if the dish meets anticipated requirements.
Continuously Requested Questions
The next addresses widespread inquiries relating to the profitable duplication of a well known restaurant’s tortilla soup recipe. These questions intention to make clear particular challenges and supply steerage for dwelling cooks.
Query 1: What’s the single most important consider reaching an correct replication?
Authenticity of components stands as probably the most essential issue. Substituting elements, even seemingly minor ones, can considerably alter the flavour profile and compromise the ultimate consequence.
Query 2: How can the spice mix be most successfully emulated with out entry to the unique recipe?
Researching widespread spices utilized in Southwestern and Mexican delicacies is suggested. Experimentation with small portions of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano is important. Begin with conservative quantities and regulate incrementally to style.
Query 3: What’s the really useful methodology for reaching optimum tortilla strip crispness?
Frying the strips in small batches at a constant oil temperature (roughly 350F) is really useful. Keep away from overcrowding the fryer, as this lowers the oil temperature and ends in soggy strips. Monitor the strips intently to stop burning.
Query 4: How can the broth taste depth be enhanced with out extreme sodium?
Using do-it-yourself hen broth or low-sodium industrial broth is advisable. Roasting greens, similar to onions and garlic, earlier than including them to the broth intensifies their taste and provides complexity. A bay leaf or a small quantity of smoked paprika may also contribute to taste depth.
Query 5: What’s the optimum timing for including garnishes to maximise their impression?
Garnishes, similar to cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges, ought to be added instantly earlier than serving. This ensures that they maintain their freshness and vibrancy, enhancing the aroma and taste of the soup.
Query 6: How can the soup’s texture be adjusted whether it is too watery or too thick?
If the soup is just too watery, simmering it uncovered for an prolonged interval will cut back the liquid and focus the flavors. If the soup is just too thick, including extra broth or water can skinny it out. A small quantity of cornstarch slurry may also be used to thicken the soup if wanted, however ought to be added sparingly to keep away from a starchy style.
Mastering these concerns enhances the probabilities of success, although particular person outcomes could differ because of variations in components and gear.
The next part will deal with widespread pitfalls in an effort to verify replication is profitable.
Suggestions for Perfecting the Tortilla Soup Recipe
Reaching optimum ends in crafting a tortilla soup includes cautious consideration to element and strategic execution of particular strategies. The next suggestions supply steerage to boost the flavour, texture, and total high quality of the completed dish.
Tip 1: Prioritize Freshness in Ingredient Choice: The standard of the components dictates the ultimate style. Deciding on recent, high-quality greens, spices, and proteins considerably elevates the soup’s taste profile. Wilted greens or stale spices compromise the meant end result.
Tip 2: Grasp the Artwork of Spice Blooming: Heating spices in oil earlier than including them to the broth unlocks their unstable oils, intensifying their aroma and taste. This method maximizes the impression of spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
Tip 3: Obtain Uniform Vegetable Cuts: Constant vegetable sizes guarantee even cooking and a uniform texture all through the soup. This consideration to element enhances the soup’s visible enchantment and ensures that every one elements cook dinner correctly.
Tip 4: Layer Flavors Strategically: Including components in a selected order permits flavors to meld and develop absolutely. Begin with fragrant greens, adopted by spices, broth, and eventually, proteins. Modify seasoning all through the cooking course of to attain a balanced style.
Tip 5: Management the Crispness of Tortilla Strips: Frying tortilla strips on the appropriate temperature and for the suitable length ensures optimum crispness. Keep away from overcrowding the fryer, and take away the strips when they’re golden brown. Drain them on paper towels to take away extra oil.
Tip 6: Garnish Generously: Contemporary garnishes, similar to cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, and bitter cream, add a remaining layer of taste and texture to the soup. Add them simply earlier than serving to keep up their freshness and vibrancy.
Tip 7: Modify Consistency to Private Choice: The specified thickness of the soup is subjective. Modify the quantity of broth or water to attain the popular consistency. A small quantity of cornstarch slurry can be utilized to thicken the soup if wanted.
Implementing the following pointers, ensures a extra flavorful, fragrant, and gratifying dish. These parts add to a constructive expertise for the dish.
The following part will focus on avoiding widespread pitfalls. These oversights might impression the dish.
Recipe Max and Erma’s Tortilla Soup
This exploration has detailed the important thing parts concerned in recreating the particular culinary providing. These embrace the significance of genuine ingredient sourcing, exact spice mixing, acceptable vegetable preparation strategies, reaching the best broth taste depth, mastering tortilla crispness management, sustaining garnish freshness, making certain temperature administration, strategic layering of flavors, and sustaining the required consistency of texture.
Consideration to those particulars permits a house cook dinner to approximate a restaurant-quality expertise. Whereas challenges stay, the rules outlined on this evaluation present a framework for constantly reaching a satisfying culinary consequence, whether or not that particular person ingredient is utilized in “recipe max and erma’s tortilla soup” or some comparable dish. Additional research of those rules provides extra potentialities for future exploration.
