Print

Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Soup Recipe

Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Soup Recipe

4.8 from 18 reviews

A cozy, creamy corn chowder inspired by classic Mexican street corn—brimming with smoky sweetness, a hint of lime, fresh cilantro, jalapeño heat, and a swirl of crema. Perfect for warming up while staying light.

Ingredients

Scale

Corn Chowder:

  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 5 ears fresh)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (reserve a few slices for garnish)
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or half‑and‑half
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (plus wedges for serving)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

For Garnishes:

  • ¼ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp Mexican crema or sour cream
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Additional cilantro sprigs

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño; sauté 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  2. Cook Corn and Spices: Add corn and spices (paprika, cumin), stirring to coat and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in broth, bring to a simmer, and cook 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Purée Soup: Using an immersion blender, purée soup until slightly chunky—leave some texture. (Alternatively, blend half in a countertop blender.)
  5. Finish Soup: Stir in milk or half‑and‑half and lime juice, heating gently without boiling. Adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and fold in chopped cilantro.
  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with crema swirl, cotija, jalapeño slices, and more cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition

Keywords: #elotesoup #streetcorn #mexicansoup #cornchowder #spicycomfort #cilantrolime #homemadesoup #jalapenotreat #creamybroth #cotijacheese #cozysoup #simplemeals #flavorexplosion #springfirecipe #souprecipe #heartywinter #Mexicancooking #comfortfood #soupseason #weeknightdinner