Mexican Street Corn Soup

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful blend of flavors inspired by elote, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this soup brings the vibrant taste of street food into your home. With its creamy texture and zesty toppings, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavors: This soup captures the essence of Mexican street corn with its combination of spices, cheese, and lime.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dish in under an hour.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or side dish; it pairs well with various meals and occasions.
• Comforting and Cozy: Ideal for chilly evenings, this soup warms you from the inside out.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, everyone will love this rich and hearty flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make Mexican Street Corn Soup, gather your essential tools before starting. Having everything prepared will streamline the cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This is essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing enough space for all the ingredients.
• Cooking spoon: A sturdy spoon helps mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that flavors meld perfectly.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, enhancing your prep time 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. 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: 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: Add Chicken and Vegetables

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

Step 3: Cook 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. Return it to the pot.

Step 5: Stir in Creamy Ingredients

Stir in sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, lime juice, and cilantro. Simmer on low for another 3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

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

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

Serving Mexican Street Corn Soup is all about enhancing its delicious flavors and making it a memorable meal. Here are some creative serving ideas that will elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side to add a zesty kick when squeezed into the soup.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm crusty baguette offers a perfect side for dipping into the rich soup.
• Garlic Bread: The aromatic flavor of garlic bread complements the spicy notes of the soup beautifully.

As a Meal Starter

• Small Bowls as Appetizers: Serve smaller portions in bowls as an appetizer before a main course, allowing guests to enjoy multiple flavors during the meal.

Topped with Crunch

• Tortilla Chips: Add tortilla chips on top for extra texture and crunch.
• Fried Corn Tortilla Strips: These strips can be sprinkled over the soup for added flavor and crunch.

Paired with a Refreshing Salad

• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad can balance the richness of the soup with its coolness.
• Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado adds richness that pairs well with the zesty notes of Mexican Street Corn Soup.

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How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup

To create a truly outstanding Mexican Street Corn Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your soup is flavorful and comforting every time you make it.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn, if available, enhances the flavor and texture compared to frozen varieties.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize spice levels by adding more or less jalapeño according to your preference.
• Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can develop deeper flavors, so don’t rush this step.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like avocado slices or spicy crema for unique flavors each time you serve it.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Street Corn Soup can make your meal even more delightful. Below are some fantastic options that complement this dish well.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a great accompaniment to soak up the soup’s broth.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and are perfect for dipping.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread balances the savory flavors of the soup and is great for dipping.
4. Guacamole and Chips: Fresh guacamole with crispy tortilla chips provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add smoky flavors that pair nicely with the soup’s spices.
6. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas are always a hit, offering gooey goodness alongside your bowl of soup.
7. Chips and Salsa: Crisp tortilla chips served with salsa make for an easy-to-prepare side that’s bursting with flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to a delicious outcome.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not using enough spices can lead to bland soup. Be sure to measure and add all seasonings for full flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it tough. Remove it as soon as it’s cooked through and shred it gently.
• Ignoring texture: A smooth soup may not capture the essence of street corn. Blend only half if you want some chunky consistency.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh, quality ingredients yield the best flavors. Invest in good produce and spices for a rich taste.
• Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes like cilantro and lime enhance flavor. Don’t skip them; they elevate the dish significantly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Soup

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

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each session until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

Mexican Street Corn Soup is a comforting dish inspired by elote, featuring corn, spices, and creamy elements that replicate the beloved street food flavors.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with black beans or extra vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option while still enjoying those delicious flavors.

How spicy is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

The spice level depends on how much jalapeño you use. You can adjust it according to your preference by adding less or omitting it entirely.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn can be used for this recipe. Just make sure you have enough kernels to match the quantity needed.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Soup combines bold flavors with comforting textures, making it perfect for any meal. Customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust spices to suit your tastes. Enjoy this cozy dish any time!