Pin it
I whipped up this snug Mexican Street Corn Soup that brings all those elote tastes straight to your spoon. I came up with this one night when I was cold and wanted something warm with a bit of flair. Sweet corn, soft chicken and a smooth broth with Mexican seasonings work together like a charm. You'll get why my folks ask for this dinner all the time after just one sip.
A Soothing Bowl with Zing
What makes this soup so good is how well it's balanced. The sweet corn works with fiery chilies while the smooth broth covers everything like a cozy blanket. I really dig how each person can jazz up their own bowl with toppings they love, just like those street corn sellers. My kitchen smells like summer fairs even during the chilliest evenings.
Round Up Your Supplies
- Oil: A splash to get those tasty bits going
- Onion: A single sweet onion chopped tiny builds your foundation
- Jalapeño: Take out the insides if you want less heat
- Garlic: Nothing beats new cloves
- Chicken: Thighs work best since they stay juicy
- Fire Roasted Corn: Gives you that real smoky taste
- Green Chiles: One tiny can adds just the right kick
- Spices: Tajín, cumin and chili powder bring that street corn feel
- Chicken Stock: Go for homemade if you can swing it
- Sour Cream: The full fat kind makes it super rich
- Monterey Jack: Turns all gooey and yummy
- Fresh Lime: Wakes up all the flavors
- Cilantro: For that clean finish
- Toppings: Here's where you can go wild
Pin it
Working Your Kitchen Wonder
- Kick Off the Flavor
- Get onions and jalapeños cooking till your house smells wonderful
- Stack Your Soup
- Add chicken, corn and all those tasty spices bit by bit
- Give It Time
- Now's when waiting pays off as everything mingles in the pot
- Pull It Apart
- Your chicken should break into soft, juicy chunks
- Go For Smooth
- Mix in your dairy and watch as the soup changes
- The Big Finish
- Fill those bowls with goodies just like they do on the street
Put Your Spin On It
I throw in black beans sometimes or add some cooked peppers for a pop of color. Friends who don't eat meat love using veggie stock and crispy tofu instead. Broken up tortilla chips on top give a nice snap. Try eating fresh watermelon on the side to balance out the warm stuff.
Tricks For Top-Notch Soup
Cutting everything up before you start cooking makes things run way smoother. Don't let it get too hot after you put in the cream or it won't stay silky. Squeezing fresh lime juice at the end really makes a world of difference.
Tucking Some Away
It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight. If you wanna freeze some, leave the dairy out and add it when you heat it back up. There's nothing better than finding a container of this in your freezer when you need a fast comfort meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes this taste like street corn?
The elote vibes come from blending corn bursting with flavor, creamy cheese, and bold spices paired with a limey kick.
- → Any substitutes for fire-roasted corn?
Regular corn works fine, but toss in some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add that deep flavor layer.
- → Is this soup spicy-hot?
It's got a medium kick thanks to the jalapeño—dial that down by ditching seeds or using half.
- → Can this be made in advance?
Sure can! Keep your cheese and sour cream aside until reheating—it keeps everything smooth and fresh.
- → What's a good Tajin alternative?
Mix chilies, a little fresh zest from a lime, and salt for an easy swap to get that iconic zesty-spicy punch.