Mexican Street Corn Soup

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of elote in a warm and comforting bowl. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or cozy nights in, this soup takes the beloved street food and transforms it into a hearty dish everyone will love. Rich with spices, sweet corn, and creamy textures, it’s sure to become a favorite on your menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in under an hour.
• Flavor-Packed: Bursting with zesty flavors from jalapeños, Tajín seasoning, and fresh lime juice, every spoonful is a taste adventure.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a side dish; this soup fits seamlessly into any meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy texture and fun toppings like queso fresco and cilantro.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Mexican Street Corn Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly while providing enough space for all your ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and prepping your ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for onions, peppers, and other veggies, enhancing presentation and cooking efficiency.

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.

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. Tajín 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: Heat the Oil

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

Step 2: Add Main Ingredients

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

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken stock.
* Bring it to a boil.
* Reduce the heat to a simmer.
* Cover the pot and let it cook for about 25 minutes.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot once cooked through.
* Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
* Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 5: Stir in Creamy Elements

Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded Monterey Jack cheese, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
* Simmer on low heat for another 3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your soup topped with crumbled queso fresco, lime wedges for squeezing over top, and extra chopped cilantro for garnish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

Serving Mexican Street Corn Soup can elevate your dining experience. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to suit different occasions.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime adds a zesty kick that complements the soup’s flavors.
• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and color.

Pair with Crunchy Elements

• Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy soup.
• Cornbread: A slice of homemade cornbread pairs perfectly, adding sweetness and texture to your meal.

Create a Complete Meal

• Grilled Chicken Tacos: Offer grilled chicken tacos as a protein-rich side that harmonizes with the soup’s flavors.
• Mexican Rice: Serve with seasoned Mexican rice for a hearty addition that rounds out the meal.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup

To make your Mexican Street Corn Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh spices instead of pre-ground ones for a more robust flavor profile.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before adding it to the pot.
• Creaminess Factor: For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the shredded chicken back in.
• Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh corn when in season. It brings sweetness and adds to the overall flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup in advance and let it sit; this allows flavors to meld beautifully over time.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Soup

When serving Mexican Street Corn Soup, you might want to include some side dishes that complement its rich flavors.

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip with lime and cilantro adds a refreshing touch.
2. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A colorful salad featuring corn, tomatoes, and avocado makes a vibrant pairing.
3. Chili Lime Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes tossed in chili lime seasoning offer an irresistible crunch.
4. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa brightens up your meal with its tangy taste and crunchy texture.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime juice and cilantro provides a flavorful base.
6. Black Bean Salad: A healthy salad packed with protein enhances your meal while adding extra fiber.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using Frozen Corn: While frozen corn is convenient, ensure you use fire-roasted varieties for that authentic flavor. If using fresh corn, roast it on the grill or stovetop first.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Shredding chicken is best when it’s cooked just right. Monitor cooking time and don’t let it boil for too long to prevent dryness.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Flavor is key in this dish. Don’t skip the Tajín seasoning, cumin, and chili powder; they create that signature taste.
• Not Adjusting Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken stock gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and cilantro elevate the dish significantly. Always use fresh ingredients for garnishing to enhance flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Soup

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

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short increments (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until hot.

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 creamy toppings.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Mexican Street Corn Soup, substitute chicken with vegetable broth and use additional beans or veggies for protein.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! You can experiment with various cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar instead of Monterey Jack for a twist on flavor.

How spicy is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

The spiciness depends on how much jalapeño you include. Adjust according to your preference or omit it for a milder version.

Is there a way to customize this soup?

Absolutely! Add ingredients like black beans, bell peppers, or avocado to customize your Mexican Street Corn Soup according to your taste.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Soup offers a delightful combination of flavors that brings comfort to your table. It’s versatile enough that you can customize it with various ingredients based on your preferences. Try making this cozy dish today!