Mexican Street Corn Soup

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is inspired by elote, bringing all those bold, zesty flavors into a cozy, comforting bowl. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful twist on classic street food. The combination of spices, creamy textures, and fresh toppings makes this soup a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Comforting: This Mexican Street Corn Soup combines vibrant spices with creamy ingredients to create a rich flavor profile that warms you up from the inside out.
• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 48 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish; this soup adapts well to various occasions, making it an excellent choice for any meal.
• Healthier Ingredients: Made with wholesome chicken and fresh vegetables, this soup offers a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Customizable Toppings: You can personalize each bowl with your favorite garnishes like lime wedges and cilantro, adding freshness and flair.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will make the preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and simmering your soup to perfection.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Makes slicing through ingredients easy and safe, ensuring quick prep time.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving up generous portions of your delicious soup without any mess.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 medium jalapeno, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Main Ingredients

• 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

For Seasoning

• 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

• 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

For Freshness and Garnish

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

Step 2: Add Chicken and Vegetables

Add the skinless chicken breasts, fire-roasted corn, and diced green chiles to the pot. Season with Tajín, ground cumin, chile powder, table salt, and finely ground black pepper.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

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

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot once it’s done simmering. Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your fingers. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 5: Add Creaminess

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

Step 6: Serve Up

Serve your Mexican Street Corn Soup hot! Top each bowl with crumbled queso fresco, additional lime wedges, and extra chopped cilantro for added freshness. Enjoy!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

Serving Mexican Street Corn Soup is a wonderful way to enhance its flavors and make it a complete meal. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Add Fresh Garnishes

• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup for an extra zesty kick.
• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for freshness and color.

Pair with Crunchy Toppings

• Tortilla Strips: Add crispy tortilla strips for a delightful crunch.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the soup’s texture beautifully.

Offer Bread Options

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
• Cornbread: A slice of cornbread adds sweetness that pairs well with the savory soup.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup

Perfecting your Mexican Street Corn Soup can take it from great to unforgettable. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect bowl every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs will enhance the flavors significantly compared to canned options.
• Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of jalapeño based on your heat preference.
• Experiment with Broth: For deeper flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking will help meld the flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Soup

Pairing side dishes with Mexican Street Corn Soup can create a more rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the soup beautifully.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, and lime dressing adds a protein boost.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips enhances the meal’s flavor profile.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional nutrients and colors to your plate.
5. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
6. Cheesy Quesadillas: Warm quesadillas filled with cheese and veggies make for a satisfying side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Soup, it’s easy to overlook some important details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your soup adequately can lead to a bland flavor. Be sure to measure and taste as you go, adjusting spices like Tajín and cumin.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Low-quality chicken or frozen corn can impact the taste. Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen corn and good quality chicken for best results.
• Overcooking the chicken: If you overcook the chicken, it can become dry. Shred the chicken once it’s cooked through, and return it to the soup quickly to maintain moisture.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping toppings like queso fresco or cilantro can lessen the soup’s appeal. Always add garnishes for extra flavor and presentation.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: A brief simmer may not allow flavors to meld properly. Letting the soup simmer for a sufficient time enhances its taste.

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 oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Mexican Street Corn Soup, check out these frequently asked questions.

What is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

Mexican Street Corn Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish inspired by elote, which features corn blended with spices, cheese, and lime.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace chicken with vegetable broth and omit any meat for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I customize my Mexican Street Corn Soup?

You can adjust spice levels by adding more or less jalapeño or chili powder. Also, feel free to experiment with different cheeses!

How long does Mexican Street Corn Soup last in the fridge?

In the refrigerator, this soup lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Mexican Street Corn Soup?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is not only comforting but also full of vibrant flavors that remind you of delicious street food. It’s versatile too—you can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is!