Description
Corn and cilantro dance together in this magical “corn and cilantro delight” recipe, creating a symphony of fresh flavors. Rich Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful experience you’ll savor with every delectable spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh corn kernels (from 8–10 shucked cobs)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
Dairy and Cheese:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated dry/aged Cotija cheese (plus additional for garnish)
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- ¼ cup olive or vegetable oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro, divided
Instructions
- Ignite a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat, drizzling oil until it shimmers with anticipation. Introduce corn kernels, diced onions, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring enthusiastically to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the mixture, allowing corn to caramelize and onions to soften, creating a golden landscape of flavors for approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic, letting its aromatic essence permeate the mixture for about a minute. Carefully extract 1-1/2 cups of the corn medley, setting it aside for later embellishment.
- Pour broth into the pot, accompanied by corn cobs, and vigorously scrape the fond from the bottom to release concentrated flavor essence. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes.
- Extract and discard corn cobs using tongs, preparing the base for a silky transformation. Fold in sour cream and Cotija, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender, processing until achieving a velvety smooth texture. Work in batches if necessary to ensure optimal blending.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot, gently reheating to serving temperature. Incorporate half of the reserved corn mixture, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
- Fine-tune the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and chili powder to personal preference. Ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with remaining corn mixture, lime zest, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese.
Notes
- Transform ordinary corn into a luxurious, creamy soup bursting with vibrant flavors and textures.
- Charring corn kernels intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a subtle smoky depth to the dish.
- Reserve some corn mixture before pureeing to create a delightful textural contrast in the final serving.
- Cotija cheese brings a salty, tangy element that perfectly complements the corn’s natural sweetness.
- Fresh lime juice and zest brighten the soup, cutting through the richness and adding a zesty pop of flavor.
- Blending the soup creates a silky smooth base that showcases the corn’s pure, concentrated essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg