Chilled Corn Soup is a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for hot summer days. Made with fresh corn, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice, this soup is bursting with flavor and can be served as a light appetizer or a refreshing main course. The sweetness of the corn is complemented by the savory notes of the herbs, creating a well-balanced and delicious dish. Follow this recipe to learn how to make Chilled Corn Soup and enjoy a taste of summer in every spoonful.
Ingredients for Chilled Corn Soup:
- 6 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make Chilled Corn Soup:
- Prepare the Corn:
- Cut the kernels off the cobs and set aside. Reserve 1 cup of corn kernels for later use.
- Cook the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the remaining corn kernels (not the reserved cup) and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the corn is tender.
- Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches until smooth.
- Add the Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until heated through.
- Chill the Soup:
- Transfer the soup to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the soup to prevent a skin from forming.
- Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until cold.
- Serve:
- Ladle the chilled soup into bowls. Garnish with the reserved corn kernels, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve the Chilled Corn Soup with lime wedges on the side.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Corn: Fresh corn is the star of this soup, providing sweetness and a delightful crunch. Look for corn that is firm and bright yellow for the best flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and flavor to the soup base, enhancing the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add savory notes and depth of flavor to the soup.
- Spices (Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne): These spices add warmth and a hint of smokiness to the soup, balancing out the sweetness of the corn.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the soup, creating a luxurious texture.
- Cilantro and Lime: Fresh cilantro and lime juice add brightness and a burst of freshness to the finished soup, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
This Chilled Corn Soup is a delightful way to enjoy fresh summer corn. Serve it as a light starter or a refreshing main course for a taste of summer in every spoonful.
