Mexican Street Corn Soup

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful twist on the classic elote, bringing the vibrant and bold flavors of street food right into your bowl. Perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners, this soup offers a comforting experience that warms the soul. With its creamy texture and zesty notes, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe takes just under an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or a hearty side; it pairs well with various proteins or salads.
• Crowd Pleaser: Great for serving at gatherings, this soup is sure to impress family and friends with its vibrant flavors.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is not only tasty but also nourishing.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for even cooking and simmering your soup without spilling.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware’s surface.
• Knife: A good sharp knife saves time when chopping vegetables and cutting chicken.

Ingredients

To make this flavorful Mexican Street Corn Soup, gather the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small red onion
• 1 medium jalapeno
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (12 oz.) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 (12 oz.) package fire-roasted frozen corn (or fresh corn or other frozen corn)
• 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
• 1 tbsp. Tajin seasoning
• 2 tsps. ground cumin
• 2 tsps. chile powder
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper

For the Creamy Finish

• 4 cups (32 oz.) chicken stock (or low-sodium chicken broth)
• 2 cups sour cream (full-fat) (or Greek yogurt (full fat))
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• juice of one lime
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

For Garnishing

• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
• lime wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and jalapeño, cooking until the onions soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Corn

Add the chicken, fire-roasted corn, and green chiles to the pot. Season with Tajín, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let the soup cook for 25 minutes.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot.

Step 5: Stir in Creamy Ingredients

Stir in the sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, lime juice, and cilantro. Simmer on low for another 3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve with Garnishes

Serve the soup topped with queso fresco crumbles, lime wedges, and additional chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

Enjoy your homemade Mexican Street Corn Soup!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

Serving Mexican Street Corn Soup is all about enhancing its vibrant flavors and making it a complete meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup to add a zesty kick.
• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.

Add Crunchy Elements

• Tortilla Strips: Top the soup with crispy tortilla strips for added texture.
• Corn Chips: Serve with crunchy corn chips for dipping or crunching on the side.

Pair with Sides

• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.
• Pickled Red Onions: Serve pickled onions for a tangy contrast that brightens the dish.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup

To make your Mexican Street Corn Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh corn when in season for enhanced sweetness and texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of jalapeño and chili powder based on your heat preference.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like pepper jack or cotija for varied flavor profiles.
• Simmer Longer for Flavor: Letting the soup simmer longer allows the spices to meld together, enriching the taste.
• Blend for Creaminess: For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup before adding back the shredded chicken.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Soup

Complementing your Mexican Street Corn Soup with the right sides can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds heartiness to your meal.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, and avocado provides protein and texture.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies bring smokiness that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with quinoa or rice add visual appeal along with taste.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
6. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips makes a perfect dipping companion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Soup, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that could affect the flavor and texture of this delightful dish.

• Ignoring ingredient quality – Using low-quality or stale ingredients can lead to bland soup. Opt for fresh corn and high-quality spices for the best taste.
• Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Remove it promptly after 25 minutes of simmering to keep it juicy and tender.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments – Taste your soup before serving. You may need to adjust salt or spice levels based on your preference.
• Rushing the cooking process – Allowing adequate time for simmering enhances the flavors. Don’t rush; let it simmer for the full 25 minutes.
• Neglecting garnishes – Garnishes like cilantro and lime add freshness and brightness. Don’t skip them; they complete the dish beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually around 3-5 minutes.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through, typically takes 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Street Corn Soup that might help you enjoy this recipe even more.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, using fire-roasted frozen corn works well and adds a delicious smoky flavor similar to fresh corn.

How spicy is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

The spiciness comes from jalapeño and seasonings. You can adjust these ingredients according to your heat preference.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative that will provide creaminess without compromising flavor.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with vegetable broth and omit chicken altogether for a tasty vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Soup combines vibrant flavors that are sure to please everyone. It’s versatile; you can customize it with various toppings or adjust spices according to your taste. Give this comforting dish a try—it’s perfect for any occasion!