Mexican Street Corn Soup Recipe

Get ready for a cozy, flavorful, and slightly spicy bowl of heaven with this Mexican Street Corn Soup! Inspired by the beloved Mexican street food, elote, this soup brings together the sweet and smoky flavors of grilled corn, tangy crema, and a hint of spice in a creamy, comforting broth. Whether you’re craving something warm for a chilly night or want to impress guests with a unique and crowd-pleasing dish, this soup will have you hooked from the first spoonful. Trust me, it’s a game-changer, and you’re going to be obsessed with it!

Why You’ll Love Mexican Street Corn Soup

Rich and Flavorful: It’s creamy, savory, with a touch of smokiness from the grilled corn and a spicy kick that’s perfectly balanced. Every spoonful is full of delicious depth.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This recipe uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, but the flavors are absolutely next level. It’s proof that simplicity doesn’t mean boring!

Comforting Yet Fresh: The combination of sweet corn, creamy broth, and zesty toppings creates the perfect balance of comforting and refreshing flavors.

Customizable: Like your favorite street corn, you can tweak the toppings to suit your tastes. Want more heat? Add extra chili powder. Prefer a bit more tang? Add extra lime or a dollop of sour cream.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a summer gathering, or you’re just in the mood for something satisfying, this soup is versatile enough to suit all occasions.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, flavorful Mexican Street Corn Soup:

For the Soup Base:

• Corn (fresh or frozen): The star of the show! Grilled or sautéed corn adds that delicious smokiness and sweetness.
• Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the broth.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
• Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful, garlic gives the soup an irresistible savory base.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The liquid base of the soup, giving it all the warmth and depth.
• Heavy Cream: For that rich, creamy texture that takes this soup to the next level.
• Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices give the soup that delicious smoky warmth and depth.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

For Toppings:

• Cotija Cheese: This crumbly, salty cheese is perfect for sprinkling over the soup.
• Lime Wedges: A fresh squeeze of lime brightens everything up.
• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: A creamy dollop adds richness and balances the heat.
• Chili Powder or Tajín: For an extra bit of spice and that authentic street corn flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get into the deliciousness that is this Mexican Street Corn Soup:

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

If using fresh corn, grill or roast the corn on the cob until it’s slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes. If using frozen corn, skip the grilling step and just sauté it for a few minutes in a hot pan to give it some color and depth of flavor.

Once cooked, cut the kernels off the cob (if using fresh corn) and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Add the cooked corn (fresh or frozen) to the pot and stir everything together. Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, letting the spices toast for a minute or two.

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Cream

Stir in the heavy cream, and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is creamy and well combined. You can use an immersion blender to slightly blend the soup, leaving some chunks of corn for texture, or blend about half of the soup in a regular blender for a creamier consistency. (Blend carefully and return the soup to the pot after blending.)

Step 5: Serve and Top

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled cotija cheese, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or crema, and a sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín for that extra kick.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Take a moment to admire your work, then dig in! You’ve just created a bowl of Mexican street corn magic in soup form.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 690mg
Total Carbohydrate: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 12%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

This soup is perfect on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, here are some ideas:

With Warm Tortillas: Serve with soft tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping. You can even turn this into a full meal by pairing it with a side of Mexican rice or a light salad.

Grilled Meat: Add some grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp to make this a heartier dish. The smoky, savory protein pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.

With a Side of Guacamole: What’s better than soup and guac? Nothing, really. Serve a big bowl of creamy guacamole with tortilla chips for the ultimate appetizer spread.

Additional Tips

• Spicy Kick: If you like your soup with more heat, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Make It Vegan: You can easily make this soup vegan by swapping the butter for olive oil and using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Swap the cotija for vegan cheese or simply leave it out.
• Frozen Corn: If you’re short on time, frozen corn works just fine. You can even use canned corn if that’s what you have on hand, though fresh or frozen gives it a better texture and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A1: Yes! This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Simply store it in an airtight container and reheat on the stove. The flavors even get better the next day!

Q2: Can I freeze this soup?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stove when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
A3: Yes, you can! Just be sure to drain and rinse the canned corn before adding it to the soup.

Q4: How can I make this soup spicier?
A4: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. You can also top it with extra chili powder or hot sauce for more heat.

Q5: Can I make this soup without cream?
A5: You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk if you want a lighter version. The cream adds richness, but it can be omitted for a slightly lighter soup.

Q6: What can I serve with this soup?
A6: It’s delicious on its own, but try serving it with tortilla chips, a side of Mexican rice, or grilled meats for a full meal.

Q7: Can I add other veggies to this soup?
A7: Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients and flavor.

Q8: Can I use frozen grilled corn?
A8: Yes, if you have frozen grilled corn, it will work just as well. You can even grill it yourself and freeze it for later!

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

Q10: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes, you can! Just sauté the onions and garlic, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the cream towards the end.

Conclusion

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is one of those recipes that brings all the flavors of your favorite street food into a cozy, comforting bowl. It’s rich, creamy, with a bit of heat and plenty of delicious toppings to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight dinner or serving it up at a gathering, this soup is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this flavorful, comforting dish!

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