Mexican Street Corn Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish inspired by the classic Mexican street food, “Elote.” This soup captures the creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors of street corn in a warm and hearty bowl.
Ingredients:
- Corn: Fresh corn kernels (from about 4-5 ears) or frozen corn.
- Butter: For sautéing.
- Onion: Diced.
- Garlic: Minced.
- Jalapeño: Diced, seeds removed for less heat (optional).
- Potatoes: Peeled and diced, to add body to the soup.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: To create the soup base.
- Heavy cream or milk: For creaminess.
- Mayonnaise: To mimic the classic Elote topping.
- Cotija cheese: Crumbled, for a salty, tangy flavor.
- Chili powder: For spice.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth.
- Lime juice: For acidity and freshness.
- Cilantro: Chopped, for garnish.
- Green onions: Sliced, for garnish.
- Tortilla strips: Optional, for a crunchy topping.
Preparation:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until softened.
- Add the garlic and jalapeño, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Corn and Potatoes:
- Stir in the corn kernels and diced potatoes.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some texture with corn and potato chunks. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream or milk, and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes.
- Season and Add Toppings:
- Stir in the mayonnaise until fully incorporated.
- Add chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and salt to taste.
- Sprinkle in the cotija cheese, stirring until melted into the soup.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, green onions, and tortilla strips if desired.
Serving:
This Mexican Street Corn Soup is best served hot, with all the toppings that bring the flavors of Elote to life. It’s perfect as a starter or a main course when paired with a fresh salad or warm tortillas.