This Mexican Street Corn Soup is a creamy, dreamy bowl of goodness, bursting with rich flavors from sweet corn, tangy lime, and the sharp kick of cotija cheese. It’s the perfect combination of comforting and satisfying, with just the right amount of heat to warm you from the inside out.
The optional chili powder and fresh cilantro garnish add a punch of flavor and visual appeal, while the sour cream and lime wedges make each spoonful even more indulgent. It’s perfect for cozy nights at home or to impress guests at your next dinner party!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili powder (optional)
- Sour cream for garnish
- Lime wedges for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the frozen corn kernels, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy, or transfer to a blender and purée in batches.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cotija cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add lime juice and season with salt, pepper, and optional chili powder to taste.
- Serve the soup in bowls, topped with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
Mexican Street Corn Soup: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite
Mexican Street Corn, or “Elote,” is a beloved snack in Mexico, often served on a cob with a tantalizing mix of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. It’s the perfect street food treat for those looking for something savory, spicy, and sweet in every bite. But what if you could enjoy those same incredible flavors in a cozy, creamy soup form? That’s where Mexican Street Corn Soup comes in. This dish takes the classic elote and transforms it into a warming, hearty soup, perfect for a chilly day or as an indulgent appetizer at your next gathering.
The Origins of Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn has its roots deeply embedded in Mexican street food culture. Known as “Elote,” it’s a dish that’s both simple and complex at the same time. Traditionally, corn on the cob is grilled, then slathered with mayonnaise or crema, sprinkled with crumbled cotija cheese, and dusted with chili powder, all finished off with a fresh squeeze of lime. This snack is often enjoyed by vendors who sell it on the streets, providing a quick and flavorful treat for anyone passing by. The combination of smoky, tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors makes this Mexican delicacy irresistible.
As the popularity of Elote grew, so did the desire to incorporate its flavors into other dishes. Enter Mexican Street Corn Soup, a creamy, dreamy version that combines all the best elements of this iconic street food, but in a more comforting, warm, and easily served bowl.
Why Mexican Street Corn Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion
This soup offers a unique and innovative way to enjoy the beloved flavors of Mexican Street Corn. It has all the elements people love from the classic version—creamy texture, a touch of spice, the rich tang of lime, and the freshness of cilantro—but it’s much more versatile. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dish to serve during a family dinner, a starter for a Mexican-inspired meal, or even something to warm you up on a chilly evening, Mexican Street Corn Soup fits the bill. The dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a go-to for both beginners and seasoned chefs alike.
The beauty of this soup is its flexibility. While it sticks to the traditional flavor profile of Elote, it can be adapted to fit various dietary preferences. Whether you’re avoiding dairy, looking for a vegetarian option, or craving an extra spicy kick, this soup can be customized to your liking.
Flavor Profile: A Perfect Balance of Spicy, Sweet, and Savory
One of the most striking features of Mexican Street Corn Soup is its flavor profile. The soup is creamy and velvety, but it’s the balance of flavors that makes it truly unique. The sweetness of the corn perfectly complements the sharp tang of lime, while the cotija cheese adds a savory, slightly salty edge. The jalapeño, whether used sparingly or generously, gives the soup its signature spicy heat, which can be adjusted depending on your preference.
Adding chili powder or even smoked paprika can elevate the smoky elements, while fresh cilantro helps to brighten the dish and provide a fragrant, herbal note. The creamy base of the soup comes from heavy cream, which gives it a smooth consistency that coats your taste buds and provides a comforting mouthfeel. For those looking to elevate their soup even further, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top provides a delightful garnish, adding to the visual appeal and extra richness of each spoonful.
The Benefits of Making Mexican Street Corn Soup at Home
While it’s possible to find Mexican Street Corn Soup at some restaurants, making it at home offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, homemade soup is much fresher and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the seasoning, the level of spice, or even swap out ingredients to create a dish that’s tailored exactly to your liking.
Furthermore, preparing this dish at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients. Choosing fresh, organic corn, high-quality cheese, and rich, full-fat cream can elevate the flavor and make your soup taste exceptional. Homemade Mexican Street Corn Soup also allows you to make it in larger batches, perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd.
Another major advantage is the ability to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan if needed. Substituting the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream can still give you that creamy texture while keeping it vegan. Replacing the cotija cheese with a dairy-free alternative or skipping the cheese altogether allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy the soup just as much as everyone else.
Perfect Pairings for Mexican Street Corn Soup
Mexican Street Corn Soup can stand alone as a hearty, filling dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:
- Tortilla Chips or Crispy Tacos: The crunchy texture of tortilla chips or the savory goodness of tacos complements the creamy soup, providing a nice contrast.
- Grilled Meats: Mexican Street Corn Soup pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak, all of which will bring out the smoky, spicy elements of the soup.
- Fresh Guacamole or Salsa: A side of fresh guacamole or a tangy salsa offers an additional layer of flavor and makes the meal more festive and fun.
- Mexican Rice: Serving a side of fluffy Mexican rice adds a nice texture and balances out the richness of the soup.
- Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad with lime dressing can help cut through the richness of the soup and provide a healthy contrast.
How to Make the Soup Even Better
If you want to take your Mexican Street Corn Soup to the next level, here are a few tips and tricks:
- Char the Corn: For an extra layer of flavor, try charring the corn before adding it to the soup. This will give it a smoky depth that mimics the traditional grilled corn used in Elote.
- Top with Crumbled Tortilla Chips: Adding crumbled tortilla chips as a garnish gives the soup an extra crunch and an authentic Mexican touch.
- Infuse the Soup with Herbs: While cilantro is a key garnish, adding other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme during the cooking process can add more depth and complexity to the flavor.
- Use Homemade Broth: Making your own chicken or vegetable broth from scratch can elevate the soup’s flavor and make it richer and more savory.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Soup is an incredible fusion of comfort food and bold, spicy flavors. It takes the beloved street food favorite and transforms it into a creamy, satisfying soup that anyone can enjoy. The combination of sweet corn, zesty lime, spicy jalapeño, and savory cotija cheese makes each spoonful a burst of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a dish to enjoy on a cold day or want something new to impress your guests, this soup delivers both in taste and presentation.
The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it to your taste preferences, adjust the spice level, and add a variety of toppings to enhance the experience. Whether you make it vegetarian, vegan, or indulge in the creamy version with all the rich toppings, Mexican Street Corn Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, next time you crave a bowl of something comforting and full of flavor, reach for this recipe and enjoy the best of Mexican street food in the comfort of your own home.