Mexican Street Corn Soup

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of elote in a warm, comforting bowl. Perfect for any occasion, this soup brings together the essence of Mexican street food with every spoonful. The combination of spices, creamy textures, and fresh toppings makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: This soup is packed with zesty flavors like jalapeño, Tajín seasoning, and lime that will awaken your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, this soup works well for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.
• Comforting and Filling: With hearty ingredients like chicken and corn, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right kitchen tools will make preparing this Mexican Street Corn Soup efficient and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for evenly cooking and simmering soups without splatter.
• Cooking spoon: A sturdy spoon helps stir ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

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

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 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

For 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: Heat the Oil

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: Cook the Chicken & Vegetables

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 once cooked through. Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands, then return it to the pot.

Step 5: Add Creaminess

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

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot topped with queso fresco crumbles, lime wedges, and additional chopped cilantro for garnish. Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Street Corn Soup!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

Serving Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various toppings and accompaniments. The vibrant flavors of this dish make it versatile for different occasions, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the soup’s flavors.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens the dish and adds a zesty kick.
• Crumbled Queso Fresco: This creamy cheese provides a rich texture and balances the spices.

Pair with Crunchy Snacks

• Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside for dipping, adding crunch to each bowl.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Offers a classic street food vibe that pairs beautifully with the soup.

Create a Full Meal

• Serve with Rice: A side of fluffy rice makes this dish heartier and more filling.
• Accompany with Grilled Chicken or Fish: Adds protein and rounds out the meal, making it satisfying.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup

To achieve the best results with your Mexican Street Corn Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavors and textures, bringing your dish to new heights.

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices according to your taste—add more chile powder for heat or Tajín for tang.
• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh corn when possible for sweetness and texture that frozen corn may lack.
• Creamy Consistency: Stir in sour cream gradually to achieve your desired creaminess without curdling.
• Simmering Time: Allow the soup to simmer longer if you prefer deeper flavor development; just keep an eye on the chicken so it doesn’t overcook.
• Garnish Generously: A variety of toppings can elevate this soup from good to great; don’t skip them!
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld; consider making it in advance for gatherings.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Soup

To round out your meal, pair your Mexican Street Corn Soup with delicious side dishes. Each option complements the soup’s rich flavors while adding variety to your dining experience.

1. Mexican Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this side brings a comforting element to your meal.
2. Black Beans Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, and lime dressing adds fiber and balance.
3. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on toasted bread offers a delightful contrast in texture.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection add a smoky flavor that pairs well with the soup.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread muffins provide a perfect dipping partner for the soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and beans create a hearty option that complements the soup beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch for and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the aromatics: Failing to sauté onions and garlic first can lead to a bland soup. Always start by cooking these ingredients to build flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Leaving the chicken in the pot for too long can make it dry. Cook it just until it’s done, then shred it for a tender texture.
• Not adjusting spices: Everyone’s taste is different. Start with smaller amounts of spices like cumin and Tajín, and adjust as needed for your preferred flavor profile.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap corn or broth can affect the overall taste. Opt for high-quality frozen corn or homemade stock when possible.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping toppings like cilantro or lime can make your soup less vibrant. Always finish with fresh garnishes for added flavor and visual appeal.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Mexican Street Corn Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Soup

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

Mexican Street Corn Soup is a cozy dish inspired by elote, featuring sweet corn, spices, and creamy elements that mimic classic street food flavors.

How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Soup?

You can add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. For extra protein, consider including black beans or chickpeas.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with beans or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

How spicy is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

The spiciness largely depends on your choice of jalapeño and how much you include. Feel free to adjust based on your tolerance!

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of street food at home!

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