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5.0 from 117 votes

"Mexican Street Corn" Soup

This corn soup, inspired by the flavors of Mexican Street Corn, is made with fresh corn on the cob. Frozen or canned corn will not yield the same flavor and are not recommended.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 5 cups soup
Calories: 363 kcal
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
  • 6 cups fresh corn kernels , from 8-10 shucked cobs (save 6 of the stripped cobs for simmering the soup)
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder (use more or less, depending on your heat preferences)*
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large garlic cloves , chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated dry/aged Cotija cheese , plus additional for garnish (substitute Parmesan or Romano if Cotija is unavailable)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro , divided

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat oil in a large, nonstick pot or cast iron Dutch oven until shimmering. Add corn kernels, chopped onion, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and corn is lightly charred in spots, about 8-10 minutes. 
  2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Remove 1-1/2 cups of corn mixture from the pot and set aside. Stir broth and 6 stripped corn cobs into the pot, scraping up the brown bits on the bottom. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Use tongs to remove corn cobs from pot and discard.
  4. Stir sour cream and Cotija into the soup. Transfer soup to a blender or food processor (in batches, depending on the size of your unit for safety) to puree until smooth.
  5. Return soup to pot and if needed, gently reheat to desired serving temperature. Stir in half (3/4 cup) of the reserved corn mixture, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
  6. Toss remaining 3/4 cup corn with lime zest and 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro. Serve soup, topped with a few spoonfuls of the corn mixture, and an extra sprinkling of Cotija.

Notes

  • Tip: To strip corn, place cob horizontally on a cutting board and shave the kernels with a sharp knife, rotating the cob as you go. Alternatively, brace the tapered end of the cob vertically in the center of a Bundt or tube pan, shaving the kernels from top to bottom as they fall into the pan.
  • *depending on the chili powder I'm using, I've used as little as 1/8 teaspoon when it's been particularly potent, and as much as 1/2 teaspoon or more when it's mellower. Start conservatively and add to taste.
  • Want to add a little extra heat and flavor? Try sautéing 1 finely chopped jalapeño or poblano (seeds removed) with the onion and corn.

Nutrition Information

Calories 363kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 40g (13%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 25mg (8%) Sodium 903mg (38%) Potassium 737mg (21%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 14g (28%) Vitamin A 565IU (11%) Vitamin C 29.5mg (33%) Calcium 124mg (12%) Iron 1.6mg (9%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5cups soup

Amount Per Serving

Calories 363

% Daily Value*

Calories 363kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 40g 13%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 25mg 8%
Sodium 903mg 38%
Potassium 737mg 16%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 14g 28%
Vitamin A 565IU 11%
Vitamin C 29.5mg 33%
Calcium 124mg 12%
Iron 1.6mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.