Name: Duck Tortilla Soup
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 3/4 hr
Yield: Make 10 first-course or 6 main-course servings
Ingredients: 3 large tomatoes (1 1/2 lb total), coarsely chopped; 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (1 cup); 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves; 1/2 cup coarsely chopped shallots (2 large); 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped; 1 1/2 lb fresh duck legs (not confit); 1 3/4 teaspoons salt; 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper; 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil; 12 (5- to 6-inch) soft corn tortillas; 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (24 fl oz); 3 cups beef broth (24 fl oz); 1 cup dry red wine; 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Garnish: coarsely grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; lime wedges

Erin Franzman of New York City, writes: "After reading that duck was part of the Aztec diet, I put it in this simple, hearty tortilla soup for an unexpected, rich twist."

Corn tortillas add both body and crunch to this filling dish. Try sliced avocado on top for a splash of cool, vibrant flavor.

Cooks' notes:

Soup can be made 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Keep fried tortilla strips in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe notes

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles de la Olla Ramen (Mexican Stewed Beans)

Traditionally, this Mexican staple is simmered for hours in an olla, or clay pot. You can achieve a similar result by using canned beans and instant ramen.

Rotisserie Chicken Congee

Leftover rotisserie chicken finds new purpose in this endlessly comforting dish.

Chicken Croquettes

Rather than breaded and fried as you might expect croquettes to be, these are something more akin to a seared chicken salad patty.

Beef Stroganoff Ramen

This traditional dish of beef, sour cream, and mustard may have originated in Russia, but it’s about time for a version with ramen noodles, don’t you think?

Charred Vegetable Ragù

This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!

Slow-Smoked Chicken

An espresso-and-cumin-spiked rub (or brine) gives this smoked chicken impressive flavor.

Sheet-Pan Sausage With Corn, Peach, and Cucumber Salad

This summery sheet-pan dinner celebrates the bounty of the season and couldn't be simpler to make. Chorizo plays nicely with the salad, thanks to its spice.