This Mexican Street Corn Soup offers a rich, creamy texture with a satisfying balance of spicy and savory flavors. Topped with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a comforting, hearty bowl perfect for any occasion. This soup captures the essence of Mexican street food in a cozy, easy-to-make form. The combination of corn, cream, and chili creates a flavorful base, while the cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy finish. Ideal for chilly days or casual get-togethers, this soup is sure to be a hit!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Tortilla chips, for garnish
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the corn, chili powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
- Pour in the broth, milk, and cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches a creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- Stir in the lime juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with cotija cheese, cilantro, and tortilla chips.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mexican Street Corn Soup (Sopa de Elote) – A Flavorful Comfort Dish
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a beloved street food throughout Mexico, often enjoyed as a quick snack or side dish. It features roasted corn on the cob, slathered in a creamy coating of mayonnaise, topped with cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy flavors makes it a favorite among food lovers. But what if you could enjoy the same delicious flavors in a warm, comforting soup? That’s exactly what this Mexican Street Corn Soup brings to the table – the essence of elote in a cozy, creamy bowl.
The Story Behind Mexican Street Corn Soup
While the origins of elote date back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures, where corn was a staple food, the modern iteration we recognize today is a beloved Mexican street snack. In Mexico, vendors line the streets offering freshly grilled corn on the cob, coated in mayonnaise, chili powder, lime, and cheese. The dish is simple but flavorful, combining sweet corn with savory and spicy elements to create an irresistible snack.
The soup version of this dish is a comforting spin on the traditional recipe, perfect for those who crave the taste of elote but want something warm and satisfying for chilly days. By blending the corn with broth, milk, and cream, you achieve a smooth, velvety texture that carries the sweet and spicy flavors of elote while being a bit lighter and more suitable for a full meal. It’s ideal for family dinners, weeknight meals, or serving as a hearty starter for larger gatherings.
Why This Mexican Street Corn Soup is the Best
- Creamy Comfort: The combination of milk, cream, and corn creates a wonderfully creamy texture without being overly heavy. This soup is rich and satisfying, perfect for cozy dinners. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Packed with Flavor: The traditional toppings of cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice bring the signature Mexican street corn flavor to the soup. The addition of chili powder and cayenne pepper gives it a spicy kick, while the smoked paprika enhances the soup’s depth of flavor. This balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy elements ensures every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
- Health Benefits of Corn: Corn is naturally high in fiber and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for promoting digestive health and protecting against inflammation. The sweetness of the corn in the soup not only balances the heat of the spices but also provides important nutrients. It’s a great source of vitamins B and C, as well as folate and potassium.
- Easily Customizable: Whether you want to make it spicier, creamier, or adjust the flavor, this soup is easy to modify. You can add extra chili powder for a spicier kick, adjust the cream for a thicker or lighter consistency, or even throw in some grilled chicken for added protein. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can use plant-based milk and cheese to make the dish suit your dietary preferences.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, which makes it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting lunch. With only a few basic ingredients, it’s a straightforward recipe that’s simple to prepare but delivers big on flavor. Plus, the soup can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later, making it a great make-ahead option.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the corn and the creamy texture of the soup make it appealing to children. You can adjust the spice level to make it milder for younger taste buds while still maintaining the essence of Mexican street corn. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to new flavors and encourage them to enjoy vegetables.
- A Showstopper for Dinner Parties: Serving this soup at your next dinner party or gathering will surely impress your guests. The presentation, with its toppings of cotija cheese, cilantro, and tortilla chips, is visually appealing. Plus, the bold flavors and rich texture make it a standout dish that can serve as an excellent conversation starter.
- Perfect for Every Season: While this soup is particularly satisfying during colder months, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re craving something hearty in the fall and winter or seeking a refreshing yet filling dish for the spring and summer, this soup hits the spot.
The Secret to a Delicious Mexican Street Corn Soup
The key to making this Mexican Street Corn Soup the best it can be lies in using high-quality ingredients and allowing the flavors to meld together. Fresh corn adds a sweetness that’s difficult to beat, so if it’s in season, using fresh corn on the cob is highly recommended. If you’re using frozen corn, opt for a high-quality brand to ensure the soup still has a rich flavor.
A good chicken or vegetable broth forms the base of the soup, providing depth and richness. Using a combination of milk and heavy cream will give you that creamy texture, but you can adjust the proportions based on how thick or light you like your soups.
The toppings are just as important as the soup itself – don’t skimp on the cotija cheese, which adds a salty, crumbly finish. Fresh cilantro brightens up the soup with a burst of freshness, and tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Mexican Street Corn Soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it with a side of crispy tortilla chips or a warm quesadilla for a hearty meal. You can also serve it as a starter before a Mexican-inspired feast, such as tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas. The soup also works well as an accompaniment to grilled meats, such as marinated chicken or steak, for a satisfying dinner.
For a complete meal, pair the soup with a refreshing drink like a cold lime margarita or a chilled agua fresca. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a fresh fruit punch or sparkling water with lime would complement the soup’s bold flavors perfectly.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Soup is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and nutrition. Its rich and creamy texture, combined with the delicious spices and toppings, brings the iconic Mexican street food to life in a new and exciting way. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a showstopper for a party, or a cozy meal on a cold evening, this soup is sure to hit the spot. It’s a fun, flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite, offering the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and sweetness.