If you’ve ever wandered through the vibrant markets of Mexico and caught the scent of grilled corn mingling with lime and chili, you already know how magical elote can be. Now, imagine wrapping all that comfort and flavor into one cozy bowl: that’s A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup. Creamy, tangy, with a subtle heat and bursts of sweet corn in every spoonful, this recipe transforms the iconic street snack into a heartwarming soup you’ll crave all year long. Each ingredient brings its own charm, creating a dish that’s as festive as it is nourishing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup is in its straightforward ingredients—each one is simple, yet absolutely essential. Together they weave a tapestry of color, flavor, and texture that echoes classic Mexican street corn while inviting your own kitchen creativity.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps to caramelize the onions for a deeper flavor foundation.
- Olive oil: Ensures the aromatics cook gently and brings a subtle grassy note that balances the soup.
- Onion (chopped): Brings aromatic sweetness and body to the base.
- Garlic (minced): Adds robust, savory undertones—don’t skip it!
- Corn kernels (fresh or frozen): The star of the show, lending gorgeous color and natural sweetness.
- Ground cumin: Offers an earthy, warm spice that’s essential for depth.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness reminiscent of grilled elote—you’ll fall in love with this twist.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides the perfect savory background and allows the corn to shine.
- Sour cream: Delivers creaminess plus a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the corn.
- Mayonnaise: The classic elote touch for richness and silkiness in every spoonful.
- Cotija cheese (plus extra for garnish): Salty and crumbly, it gives the soup true elote spirit.
- Cilantro (chopped): Brightens everything with fresh, herbal flavor.
- Lime juice: A squeeze of acidity wakes up all the flavors at the end.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for perfect seasoning.
- Chili powder (optional, for garnish): A little extra kick and color on top—completely up to your spice preference!
How to Make A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin your A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup by melting the butter with olive oil in a large pot set over medium heat. As that sizzle starts, toss in the chopped onion and let it cook slowly, stirring often, until it’s soft and translucent—usually about 5 minutes. The kitchen will smell amazing, and this base sets the tone for a complex, savory soup. Just before moving on, add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, letting its aroma bloom without burning.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Now pile in your sweet corn kernels—fresh if they’re in season, or frozen for ultimate convenience. Sprinkle the corn with ground cumin and smoked paprika, coating everything with those earthy and smoky notes characteristic of classic elote. Stir well to toast the spices for a minute or two, which unlocks their deepest flavors.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring this beautiful mixture to a gentle simmer, then let it bubble away for about 10–15 minutes. This is when all those robust ingredients meld, transforming into a harmonious base for your soup.
Step 4: Blend It Just Right
Take the pot off the heat, and reach for your trusty immersion blender. Blend the soup until it’s mostly smooth but you still see some texture—think of it as a bowl of memories, with a touch of rustic charm. If you prefer it ultra-silky, go ahead and blend thoroughly, but leaving a little corn texture keeps it playful.
Step 5: Finish with Classic Elote Touches
Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the sour cream, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. These true elote flavors turn your humble soup into something extraordinary. Taste, then season with salt and pepper until everything sings. Warm through gently, avoiding a boil so the texture stays luscious and creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your soup into serving bowls, then get creative with your toppings! Sprinkle each bowl with extra cotija, a touch of chili powder for color and spark, plus more cilantro for that final flourish. Every bowl of A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup should look as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup
Garnishes
For that iconic elote experience, top each bowl generously with crumbled cotija, a light dusting of chili powder, and a scattering of fresh cilantro. If you’re feeling bold, add a squeeze of lime or a few dashes of hot sauce. Not only are these garnishes beautiful, but they also add extra pops of flavor that make each bite of A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup downright irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with warm, lightly toasted tortillas or a big basket of tortilla chips for dunking and scooping up every creamy drop. A crisp, fresh salad with tomato, avocado, and cucumber makes a bright counterpoint, while a simple side of Mexican rice can turn this soup into a hearty meal. For a fun twist, serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit with lime and tajÃn.
Creative Ways to Present
A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup is as festive as it is comforting, so why not lean into the fun? Serve it in charming mugs for an appetizer party, or pour it into shot glasses and sprinkle with chili powder for a playful amuse-bouche. For a cozy dinner, bring the pot right to the table and let everyone add their own garnishes. If you have grilled corn cobs, slice off a few kernels to sprinkle on top—a nod to the soup’s street food roots.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup even more addictive the next day. Just be sure to keep your garnishes separate, adding them fresh when you reheat and serve.
Freezing
If you want to stretch your soup into future meals, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. For best texture, consider stirring in a fresh dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese after reheating, as dairy-based soups can sometimes separate a little in the freezer.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If the soup has thickened too much, simply add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too—use a microwave-safe bowl and stir every 30 seconds for even warming. Wait to add those gorgeous garnishes until just before serving for maximum freshness.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, canned corn works in a pinch! Just drain it well and give it a quick rinse. The flavor might be slightly sweeter and less crisp than with fresh or frozen kernels, but your A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup will still turn out creamy and delicious.
Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?
Absolutely. Swap the butter for more olive oil, use plant-based sour cream and mayo, and either skip the cotija or use a vegan cheese alternative. The soup will still be rich and satisfying with a lovely, tangy finish.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Definitely! Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onions for extra heat, or top your finished soup with a swirl of hot sauce. Adjust the chili powder garnish or even try a little cayenne if you love things fiery.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No worries! Let the soup cool slightly, then carefully transfer it in batches to a regular blender. Blend to your desired texture, being cautious with hot liquids, then return to the pot to finish. Alternatively, mash some of the corn with a potato masher for a chunkier version.
What else can I do with leftovers?
Leftover A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup is fantastic poured over baked potatoes, stirred into casseroles, or used as a quick sauce over grilled chicken or vegetables. Its bold flavor can perk up so many dishes—get creative!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about transforming simple ingredients into a bowlful of fiesta, and that’s exactly what you get with A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mexican street food or just need a new cozy favorite, give this recipe a try—you’ll be whisked away by every vibrant, creamy spoonful!
Print
A Delicious Journey: Elote Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Mexican street corn with this creamy Elote Soup recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this velvety soup will transport your taste buds on a delicious journey.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Garnish:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili powder for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Cook onion until soft, then add garlic.
- Add Corn and Spices: Stir in corn, cumin, and smoked paprika. Pour in broth and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Puree and Add Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Stir in sour cream, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Warm through and garnish with cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeño with the onions or top with hot sauce.
- This soup also works well with grilled corn for a smoky flavor boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
