Mexican Street Corn Soup (Elote Soup) 🌽🇲🇽

This vibrant and flavorful Mexican Street Corn Soup captures the essence of the popular street food elote. Creamy, spicy, and bursting with the sweet flavor of corn, this soup is perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends at dinner parties. It’s even better topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish! 🍋✨

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 4 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 4 ears of corn if fresh)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (for creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice level)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

For the toppings

• 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Chili powder, for garnish (optional)
• Tortilla chips or strips for crunch

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

👩‍🍳 Make sure not to rush this step! Sautéing the onions until they're just right enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

• Add the corn kernels, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.

• Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.

🌶️ If you like a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to purée until desired consistency, or blend in batches in a blender. You can leave some chunks for texture!

• Stir in the coconut milk and mix well. Adjust seasoning as necessary, and reheat gently.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick! 🌶️🔥
• Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, ensure that the broth is plant-based and substitute regular cheese with vegan cheese.
• Creamy Without Coconut: Replace coconut milk with heavy cream for a richer, non-dairy alternative.

👍 If you're lactose intolerant, strive for a nut-based cheese for topping!

• Add Protein: For a heartier version, add shredded rotisserie chicken or black beans when blending for added texture and protein!

Enjoy this delicious Mexican Street Corn Soup, and don’t forget to serve it with lively conversation and a side of warm tortilla bread. Happy cooking! 🎉🍲