Mexican Street Corn Soup

This Mexican Street Corn Soup brings the vibrant flavors of elote straight to your bowl. Perfect for gatherings, cozy dinners, or as a quick weeknight meal, this soup captures the essence of street food in a comforting way. With its creamy texture and bold spices, you’ll enjoy every spoonful. Gather your ingredients and get ready to dive into a delightful culinary experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed goodness: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a rich, zesty flavor that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Comfort in a bowl: This soup is warm and satisfying, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something cozy.
• Quick and easy: With simple preparation and cooking steps, this recipe can be on your table in under an hour.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with tortilla chips or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
• Customizable toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like avocado, crispy tortilla strips, or extra cilantro for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Mexican Street Corn Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to simplify the process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for making soups, allowing for even heat distribution and ample space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables efficiently while keeping your kitchen organized.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping easier and more precise, saving you time in the prep stage.

Ingredients

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is inspired by elote, bringing all those bold, zesty flavors into a cozy, comforting bowl. It’s like eating favorite street food with a spoon.

Main Ingredients

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

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Soup

Step 1: Sauté 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 and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 5: Add Creaminess

Stir in the sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, lime juice, and cilantro. 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 added freshness! Enjoy!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

Serving Mexican Street Corn Soup can elevate your dining experience, turning a simple meal into a delightful feast. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this flavorful dish.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Lime Wedges: Adding a squeeze of lime enhances the soup’s zesty flavor.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness and color.
• Crumbled Queso Fresco: This creamy cheese provides a rich finish and complements the soup beautifully.

Pair with Crispy Toppings

• Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips add texture and contrast to the soup.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado offers a luxurious touch and balances the spiciness.
• Radish Slices: Thinly sliced radishes give a peppery crunch that brightens each spoonful.

Enjoy with Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins pair well with the spicy flavors of the soup.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup

Perfecting your Mexican Street Corn Soup ensures every bowl is bursting with flavor. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs will deliver the best flavor profile.
• Adjust Spiciness: Modify the jalapeño quantity according to your preferred heat level.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer melds all the flavors together beautifully.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like cotija or pepper jack for unique tastes.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Soup

Complement your Mexican Street Corn Soup with some delicious side dishes that enhance its vibrant flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices pairs well with the creamy soup.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness, making the meal more filling.
3. Grilled Chicken Tacos: Flavorful chicken tacos provide a satisfying contrast in texture.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a fun appetizer.
5. Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad offers crispness that balances out the hearty soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and cheese create a nutritious side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Soup, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland soup. Make sure to use Tajin, cumin, and chili powder for that authentic flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Remove it once it’s cooked through and shred it immediately to keep it tender.
• Using low-quality corn: Using fresh or high-quality frozen corn enhances the taste significantly. Opt for fire-roasted corn if possible to add depth to the soup.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping toppings like queso fresco and cilantro can make your soup less appealing. These garnishes not only add flavor but also make the dish visually inviting.
• Ignoring the broth choice: Choosing a low-sodium chicken broth can help control the saltiness of your soup. Always taste as you go to adjust flavors as needed.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing it tightly in containers.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

Mexican Street Corn Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish inspired by traditional elote, featuring corn, spices, and creamy ingredients that create a comforting meal.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh corn can be used instead of frozen. Just make sure it’s cooked properly before adding it to the soup.

How spicy is this Mexican Street Corn Soup?

The spiciness largely depends on how much jalapeño you include. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or even adjust the cheese types according to your taste.

Conclusion

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize with various toppings and ingredients. It’s perfect as a main dish or side, so give it a try and enjoy the comforting flavors at home!

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