Description
A creamy, flavorful soup inspired by traditional Mexican elote, featuring sweet corn, tangy lime, cotija cheese, and warm spices in a rich, velvety base.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- 1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 2. Add minced garlic and jalapeño, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Add corn kernels and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 5. Using an immersion blender, pulse the soup to blend about half the mixture, leaving plenty of whole corn kernels for texture.
- 6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in softened cream cheese, whisking until fully melted and incorporated.
- 7. Add heavy cream, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- 8. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 9. Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice.
- 10. Ladle into bowls and garnish with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Serve with tortilla chips, crushed tortilla strips, or warm cornbread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g