Mexican Sweet Corn Soup (Smoky Chipotle + Lime)

ByAchraf

This Mexican Sweet Corn Soup is fast, cozy, and packed with bright, smoky flavor. Charred corn kernels, chipotle in adobo, garlic, and warm spices simmer in a simple veggie broth, then get lightly blended for a creamy (but dairy-free) texture finished with fresh lime and cilantro. It’s the kind of one-pot soup that feels like a restaurant bowl, but you can make it on a busy weeknight.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Mexican Sweet Corn Soup (Smoky Chipotle + Lime) 2

Why You’ll Love This Soup

  • One pot + quick: Big flavor in about 30 minutes.
  • Smoky + bright: Chipotle heat balanced with lime.
  • Flexible: Make it mild, spicy, chunky, or creamy.
  • Meal-prep friendly: Reheats beautifully for days.

Ingredients

Base

  • Olive oil
  • Onion (finely chopped)
  • Celery (finely chopped)
  • Garlic (minced)

Flavor

  • Jarred roasted red peppers (drained, chopped)
  • Chipotle in adobo sauce (start small adds heat fast)
  • Vegetable stock/broth
  • Smoked paprika
  • Ground cumin
  • Salt + black pepper

Star

  • Corn on the cob (shucked) or frozen corn kernels

Finish

  • Fresh lime juice
  • Chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)

How to Make Mexican Sweet Corn Soup

  1. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a pot over medium-high. Cook onion + garlic until soft and fragrant.
  2. Add celery: Cook 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
  3. Build the broth: Stir in broth, roasted red peppers, chipotle/adobo, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper.
  4. Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Char the corn (optional but amazing): Grill or sear corn on a hot pan until lightly charred on all sides. Cut kernels off the cob.
  6. Blend (your texture choice): Use an immersion blender to blend the soup partially (for body) or more fully (for creamy).
  7. Finish: Stir in corn + fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust salt/heat.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro + extra lime.

Best Ways to Serve

  • With tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or crusty bread
  • Add a side salad for a light dinner
  • Top with diced avocado, pico de gallo, or crushed chips for crunch

Storage and Reheating

  • Fridge: Airtight container, up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Up to 4 months (cool completely before freezing)
  • Reheat: Stovetop on low or microwave; add a splash of broth if thickened

Pro Tips for Perfect Flavor

  • Start with less chipotle, add more later. It’s easier to increase heat than fix an over-spicy pot.
  • Charred corn = deeper taste. Even 5–6 minutes on a pan makes a difference.
  • Blend in stages: Blend, taste, then decide if you want it smoother.
  • Lime goes in at the end to keep it fresh and bright.

Easy Variations

  • Add protein (non-vegan): Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken (great if you want a “creamy chicken” vibe).
  • Beans: Black beans or chickpeas for extra filling.
  • Extra veggies: Zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
  • Creamier texture: Add coconut milk or a dairy option like heavy cream (if not vegan).
  • Milder version: Use a tiny amount of adobo sauce, skip chipotle pepper pieces, and add extra roasted red pepper instead.

FAQs

Is sweet corn soup healthy?
Yes especially when made with whole ingredients. Corn adds fiber and natural sweetness, and you control salt and oil.

Do I have to grill the corn first?
No. It adds flavor, but frozen corn works отлично. If using frozen, you can still sauté it briefly for extra taste.

How do I fix soup that’s too spicy?
Add more broth, extra corn, or a spoon of coconut milk/cream. A little sweetness (more corn or a pinch of sugar) also helps balance.