Description
This Mexican Street Corn Soup captures the essence of Elote in a warm, hearty bowl. Sweet corn is blended with smoky spices, tangy lime, and creamy cheese to create a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeรฑo, minced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 6 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; if using canned, drain and rinse)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, to enhance sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Sautรฉ Vegetables:
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the chopped onion and minced jalapeรฑo; sautรฉ until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Flour:
- Sprinkle in the flour, ground cumin, and chili powder.
- Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook the flour and develop the spices.
- Add Broth and Corn:
- Gradually pour in the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add the corn kernels, sugar (if using), and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend the Soup:
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup. If you prefer a smoother soup, blend it entirely.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
- Add Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in the heavy cream and 3/4 cup of the crumbled cotija cheese.
- Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with Lime and Cilantro:
- Remove the soup from heat.
- Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if needed.
Notes
- Corn Options:ย Fresh corn provides the best flavor, but frozen or canned corn works well too. If using frozen corn, thaw before adding. For canned corn, ensure it’s drained and rinsed.
- Spice Level:ย Adjust the amount of jalapeรฑo and chili powder to suit your heat preference. For a milder soup, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeรฑo, or omit it entirely.
- Cheese Substitutes:ย If cotija cheese isn’t available, feta cheese can be used as a substitute due to its similar texture and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions:ย Garnish with additional cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and extra cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.