Description
Inspired by the flavors of elote, this Mexican street corn soup is creamy, slightly smoky, and bursting with fresh, tangy flavor. Made with sweet corn, cotija cheese, lime juice, and a hint of spice, it’s a cozy, comforting soup that tastes just like your favorite street food in a bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or Mexican crema
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Chili powder for serving (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and jalapeño, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Corn: Stir in minced garlic, corn kernels, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy yet chunky texture, or transfer half the soup to a blender and pulse until smooth before returning it to the pot.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream or Mexican crema, crumbled cotija cheese, and fresh lime juice. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with extra cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a wedge of lime if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or omit the cheese and cream entirely.
- Add grilled corn instead of regular corn for an extra smoky flavor.
- For an authentic street corn vibe, mix in a spoonful of mayonnaise before serving.
