This Mexican Street Corn Soup is a creamy and flavorful delight that captures the essence of elote in a comforting soup form. Sweet corn, spicy seasonings, and tangy lime come together to create a truly irresistible dish. Perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Flavors: Replicates the taste of Mexican street corn (elote) in a soup.
  • Creamy and Comforting: The combination of corn, cotija cheese, and sour cream creates a rich and satisfying texture.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
  • Versatile: Can be served hot or cold.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Mexican Street Corn Soup:

  • Vegetable oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
  • Medium yellow onion: Diced, for a savory base.
  • Fresh corn kernels: Cut from the cob, for sweetness and texture.
  • Salt: To taste.
  • Pepper: To taste.
  • Ancho chili powder: For a mild, smoky heat.
  • Chipotle seasoning: For a smoky and spicy flavor.
  • Minced garlic: For aromatic intensity.
  • Vegetable broth: Forms the base of the soup.
  • Grated cotija cheese: For a salty and crumbly texture.
  • Sour cream: For creaminess and tang.
  • Chopped cilantro: For a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
  • Lime juice: For a bright and tangy finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Corn and Onions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced yellow onion, fresh corn kernels, salt, pepper, ancho chili powder, and chipotle seasoning.
  3. Cook until the corn is slightly charred, about 5-8 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Broth

  1. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute.
  2. Pour in the vegetable broth, grated cotija cheese, and sour cream.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

  1. Remove 2 cups of the corn from the soup and set aside.
  2. Blend the remaining soup to a smooth consistency using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. If using a regular blender, pour the blended soup back into the pot.
  2. Add the reserved corn kernels back to the soup.
  3. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
  4. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn on the cob provides the best flavor and texture.
  • Char the Corn: Charring the corn adds a smoky and sweet flavor to the soup.
  • Adjust the Spiciness: Adjust the amount of ancho chili powder and chipotle seasoning to control the spiciness.
  • Use an Immersion Blender: An immersion blender makes blending the soup directly in the pot easy.
  • Garnish: Garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of chili powder.

How to Serve

  • Appetizer: Serve this soup as a flavorful appetizer.
  • Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats or Mexican dishes.
  • Main Course: Enjoy it as a light and satisfying main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.1

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but the texture may change slightly. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh corn is not available.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses, such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, you can make this soup vegan by using vegan sour cream and omitting the cotija cheese or using a vegan cheese alternative.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, jalapeños, or poblano peppers.

Print
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Mexican Street Corn Soup Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course, soup
  • Method: Stovetop, blending
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Mexican Street Corn Soup, or Elote Soup, is a creamy and flavorful delight that captures the essence of traditional street corn. Sweet corn kernels are charred and blended into a smooth soup with a hint of spice, then topped with cotija cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and lime for a vibrant and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 6 cups fresh corn kernels (about 8 ears)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle seasoning
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2/3 cup grated cotija cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions

  1. Sauté Corn and Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, corn kernels, salt, pepper, ancho chili powder, and chipotle seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred, about 5-8 minutes.
  2. Add Garlic and Broth: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Pour in the vegetable broth, grated cotija cheese, and sour cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
  3. Blend Soup: Remove 2 cups of the corn from the soup and set aside. Using an immersion blender, blend the remaining soup in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the hot soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
  4. Combine and Serve: If using a regular blender, pour the blended soup back into the pot. Add the reserved corn kernels to the soup. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • If fresh corn is not available, you can use frozen corn kernels.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder and chipotle seasoning to control the spiciness of the soup.
  • For a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
  • Garnish with additional cotija cheese, a drizzle of chili oil, or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor and presentation.
  • Be very careful when blending hot liquids.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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