Black Bean Tortilla Soup

• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion
• 1 cup Diced bell pepper (any color)
• 1/2 cup peeled and diced carrots
• 1 small jalapeno, seeded and diced (omit if you don't like spicy)
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic 
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn
• 2 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/3 cup (slightly packed) chopped cilantro
• 1 avocado, sliced or diced
• Queso fresco or shredded Mexican blend cheese, for serving (optional)

Tortilla strips

• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil