Chilled corn soup is a delightful dish, especially during the hot summer months when you’re craving something refreshing and light. This soup captures the essence of sweet corn in a creamy and chilled form, making it perfect for cooling down on a sweltering day. With its vibrant flavor and smooth texture, chilled corn soup is a fantastic way to enjoy the abundance of fresh corn available during the summer season. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to create this delicious and satisfying soup right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Chilled Corn Soup:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (for a richer soup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of sour cream
How to Make Chilled Corn Soup:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the corn kernels to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the corn is tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, work in batches to avoid overfilling the blender with hot liquid.
- Once the soup is smooth, stir in the milk or cream, if using. This will add richness and creaminess to the soup.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the soup to a container and refrigerate until chilled, preferably for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, ladle the chilled corn soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of sour cream.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Corn Kernels: Fresh corn kernels are the star of this soup, providing sweetness and texture. You can use either fresh or frozen corn, depending on what’s available.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth of flavor to the soup, enhancing its overall taste.
- Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth serves as the base of the soup, infusing it with savory notes and providing a rich flavor.
- Milk or Cream: Adding milk or cream to the soup gives it a creamy and luxurious texture. You can use either one depending on your preference and dietary restrictions.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a subtle fruity flavor to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are essential for balancing the flavors of the soup and enhancing its overall taste.
Enjoy this chilled corn soup as a refreshing appetizer or light meal on a hot summer day. Its creamy texture and sweet corn flavor are sure to please your taste buds and keep you cool and satisfied.