Cozy Nights & Spicy Bites: The Perfect Soup and Wine Pairing

If you’ve ever had the spicy chicken tortilla soup at Marinade on Main, you already know: it’s perfection in a bowl. Smoky, spicy, rich, comforting—basically the kind of soup that ruins you for any other version.

While we might not be able to recreate their exact magic at home, here’s a delicious, vineyard-inspired version you can make in your own kitchen. Pair it with a glass of VGJ wine, and suddenly your Tuesday night feels like a moment worth slowing down for.

The Recipe (inspired by Marinade on Main)

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jalapeño, seeded & minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp oregano

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (4 oz) can fire-roasted green chiles

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Corn tortillas, sliced into thin strips

• Optional toppings: avocado, lime, cotija, sour cream, cilantro

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, jalapeño and bell pepper until softened.

2. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika and oregano; cook 1 minute.

3. Stir in tomatoes, green chiles and chicken broth. Simmer 15 minutes.

4. Add shredded chicken and corn; season to taste.

5. Crisp tortilla strips in the oven or pan-fry until golden.

6. Ladle soup into bowls and pile high with crispy strips and toppings.

It’s hearty, spicy, and bright—the kind of bowl that warms you from the inside out.

Perfect VGJ Wine Pairings

Spicy, savory, citrusy soups LOVE wines with freshness, aromatics, and good acidity. Here’s what we love with this recipe:

2022 Albariño

A knockout pairing. Bright citrus and stone fruit notes lift the spice and refresh your palate between bites. Albariño + lime + jalapeño = magic.

2023 Rosé of Sangiovese

Chilled, crisp, and just fruity enough to soften the heat. This rosé creates a beautiful contrast with the smoky spices.

2023 Zinfandel

For a bold pairing, Zin’s peppery character echoes the chili and cumin in the soup. Perfect for those who love a richer red with spicy dishes.

Bring the Heat Home

Whether you’re visiting us after a trip to Julian (and stopping at Marinade on Main for the real deal), or mixing up a pot at home, this spicy tortilla soup is the ultimate comfort meal. Add a bottle of VGJ wine, invite a friend or two, and suddenly you’ve created the kind of evening that feels like a warm hug.