Mexican Street Corn Soup

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful dish that combines the vibrant flavors of elote into a warm and comforting bowl. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup brings the essence of street food right to your kitchen. With its creamy texture and zesty notes, it’s sure to become a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich and zesty taste that will tantalize your palate.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious soup ready in under an hour.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken and corn, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish; it pairs well with various entrees.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers, everyone will love this flavorful dish.

Tools and Preparation

Getting the right tools will make preparing your Mexican Street Corn Soup a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot or Dutch oven: A sturdy pot allows for even cooking and enough space to accommodate all the ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: It’s perfect for stirring without scratching your pot while mixing in all those delicious flavors.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping your vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

This Mexican Street Corn Soup calls for simple yet flavorful 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
• 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 Creaminess and Flavor

• 4 cups (32 oz.) chicken stock
• 2 cups sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Juice of one lime

For Garnishing

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
• Lime wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

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: Combine Ingredients

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. Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then return it to the pot.

Step 5: Add Creaminess

Stir in the sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, lime juice, and cilantro. Let it simmer on low for another 3 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the soup topped with queso fresco crumbles, lime wedges, and chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Mexican Street Corn Soup!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

Serving Mexican Street Corn Soup can be a delightful experience that highlights its vibrant flavors and comforting nature. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra zing when squeezed over the soup.

Pair with Crunchy Toppings

• Crumbled Queso Fresco: Add crumbled queso fresco for a creamy texture and savory flavor.
• Tortilla Strips: Top with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and visual appeal.

Serve with a Side Salad

• Avocado Salad: A light avocado salad complements the richness of the soup with its creamy texture.
• Cabbage Slaw: A tangy cabbage slaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances the soup’s warmth.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup

Perfecting your Mexican Street Corn Soup can elevate this dish from good to unforgettable. Here are some helpful tips.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh spices like ground cumin and chili powder to enhance the soup’s depth.
• Creaminess Factor: Consider using full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist.
• Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh corn in season for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor profile.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of it before adding back the shredded chicken.
• Heat Level Control: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your spice preference; remove seeds for less heat.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup a day in advance; flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Street Corn Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.

1. Grilled Chicken Tacos: Juicy chicken tacos add protein and complement the flavors of the soup perfectly.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
3. Mexican Rice: Flavorful Mexican rice makes an excellent accompaniment, soaking up the delicious broth.
4. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing black bean salad offers protein and extra fiber while balancing flavors.
5. Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips enhances your meal’s texture and taste.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes bring sweetness that pairs nicely with the spiciness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Sautéing the onions and jalapeños enhances their flavors. Don’t rush this step, as it adds depth to your soup.
• Using Regular Corn Instead of Fire-Roasted: Fire-roasted corn provides a smoky flavor that is vital for authenticity. If you can, use fire-roasted corn for the best taste.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Monitor the cooking time and shred it once it’s fully cooked but still moist.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Tasting and adjusting seasoning is key. Don’t skip this; ensure it has just the right balance of spice and flavor.
• Not Allowing Enough Time for Flavors to Meld: Letting the soup simmer allows flavors to develop fully. Be patient; a longer simmer improves taste!

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Soup

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

Mexican Street Corn Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup inspired by elote, featuring corn, spices, and toppings like cilantro and cheese.

Can I make Mexican Street Corn Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beans or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Soup?

You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, adjust spiciness with more jalapeños, or switch out cheeses based on your preference.

Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute sour cream with cashew cream or coconut yogurt and choose dairy-free cheese options for a tasty dairy-free version.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh corn can be used in place of frozen corn. Just make sure to cook it until tender before adding it to the soup.

Conclusion

This Mexican Street Corn Soup offers a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort and joy in every bowl. It’s versatile too—feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of street food right at home!

---