09 November 2011

Creamy, spicy corn soup


No doubt about it, I LOVE corn. In pretty much any shape or form - on the cob, creamed, corn tortillas, tortilla chips, tamales, curries, grits, polenta - you name it! One of my favorites has always been corn soup - particularly zesty, creamy ones. There are few things that I find more comforting, warming and easy to throw together in a flash than a soup such as this. And in the midst of the craziness in which I currently find myself  (more on this coming soon!), it's food like this that both my body and spirit crave.

To keep things quick and simple, I like to make this with canned corn, although fresh or frozen kernels would also do. The spiciness comes from a chili pepper - I used a red anaheim pepper (called piment marocain or Moroccan pepper here in France) with a few seeds left in, though something like an jalapeno would also work well. You're aiming for a pleasant burn, not something that is overwhelmingly spicy. Though you should of course feel free to play around until you get your perfect spiciness level...

This literally takes just a little over five minutes to make and yet is so delicious! Perfect as a starter for a Mexican, Southwestern or any other meal. Enjoy it!


CREAMY, SPICY CORN SOUP
Serves 2-4

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small to medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 anaheim pepper (I used a red one), seeded and chopped (leave a few seeds in for extra heat)
300 gram can (2 cups) corn kernels, undrained
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 - 1 teaspoon of your favorite chili powder
2 tablespoons light crème fraîche or sour cream
Pickled jalapenos, chili powder and chopped coriander, for garnish (optional)

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium pot. Add the onion, garlic and anaheim pepper. Saute until the onion is translucent and the pepper begins to brown.

2. Add the corn (with its liquid) and vegetable broth. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.

3. Transfer the mixture to a blender and liquify. Skins from the corn kernels and a few pieces of anaheim pepper might remain - this is OK, they add nice texture!

4. Pour the liquid back into the pot. Stir in the chili powder and crème fraîche/sour cream and swirl in.

5. Serve with any or all of the suggested garnishes.

21 comments:

  1. I adore corn as well in all shapes and forms...especially soup! I like that you don't use cream to avoid the unhealthy aspect of creamed soups. Soup is on my roster for tonight as well, but I will definitely try this one soon!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This looks amazing! I bet it would be great with roasted/grilled corn! Mmmmm :D

    ReplyDelete
  3. Such an easy and delicious soup! Nice picture too! (Thanks to Devi mami)-Mom

    ReplyDelete
  4. This looks like a great soup recipe. I love corn too. Your list of options is making me thing of which I like the best!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love all of the spice in this soup! Perfect with corn. This one has been saved to make on one of these cold nights that we're having.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Soup looks absolutely great! the spices you added compliment the corn so well!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mmm.. I want it! Looks yummy! It's kind of soup that I order in restaurants but never tried making :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such delicious Soup!! It's so cold and foggy here.. that I am craving for some soup too!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. That soup look yumm!-super like!

    ReplyDelete
  10. That soup look yumm!-super like!

    ReplyDelete
  11. This looks delicious! It seems nice and warm and comforting on a cold day. Congratulations on the top 9 spot!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love the color of this and the addition of chili powder. Yummmmmy.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a gorgeous looking dish! I live the idea of a kick to a creamy soup :)
    Congrats on Top 9!

    ReplyDelete
  14. This looks yummy!! I could easily eat it for breakfast right now!! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Enjoyed browsing ur space and ur wonderful recipes. Glad to follow u to instantly enjoy them as u post :):)


    Chitchat

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Ramya-Your creamy corn soup looks so amazing, pretty, and super yummy!
    No wonder you made the Top 9 with it...Congratulations!

    They didn't share any of the recipes, at the blogger festival, but I am determined to make this incredible beet ravioli, since I'm good at fresh pasta making...just need the beet filling method!
    Hope you can make it to this unforgettable event, next year...just plan ahead, and stay in touch w/ me about it, for sure I will be there next year, as well:DDD
    Hugs,

    ReplyDelete
  17. Heyy ya...
    I m in for the first time... lOVELY space... COngratulations in making it to Top 9...

    ReplyDelete
  18. Loved all the garnish, make it look so appetizing!
    USMasala

    ReplyDelete
  19. First time here..Soup sounds refreshing and mouthwatering...

    ReplyDelete