chicken tortilla soup

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped fine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 - garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 1/2 teaspoon dried red chiles, ground (or less - be careful!)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon basil leaves, dried
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if chicken broth is even slightly salty)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 12 ounces of your favorite salsa
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups whole kernel corn, rinsed and drained
• 1 to 2 cups water, depending on thickness desired
• GARNISH
• - tortilla chips or strips
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded