Sopa De Elote (Sweet Corn Soup) – A Tex-Mex Comfort Delight
Sopa de Elote, or Sweet Corn Soup, is a comforting bowl of creamy goodness that will quickly become your go-to dish on cold evenings or any time you’re craving something rich and savory with a kick of Southwestern flair. Inspired by the popular recipe from Manuel’s Cafe y Bar on Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, this delightful soup is packed with the natural sweetness of corn and a hint of heat from green chilies, making it a perfect blend of flavors for any Tex-Mex enthusiast.
The combination of fresh ingredients, including corn kernels, cilantro, and creamy half-and-half, gives this soup its luxurious texture. Topped with a generous sprinkling of Monterey Jack cheese, each spoonful feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re pairing it with a warm batch of crusty cornbread sticks or enjoying it on its own, Sopa de Elote is sure to impress. It’s a family favorite that makes 8 servings, so it’s ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual get-togethers.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Category: Tex-Mex
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Keywords: Southwestern U.S., Free of Gluten, Dairy-Free (with substitutions), Under 60 minutes
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Green Chilies (diced) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh Corn Kernels (or frozen) | 1 cup |
| Half-and-Half | 8 oz |
| Whole Milk | 1 cup |
| Fresh Cilantro (chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Monterey Jack Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 490.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 29.9 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 18 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 89.7 mg |
| Sodium Content | 232 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 46.5 g |
| Fiber Content | 4.5 g |
| Sugar Content | 0.4 g |
| Protein Content | 16.3 g |
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Melt the Butter: Start by melting the butter in a large 6-quart saucepan over medium heat. Allow the butter to gently melt until it becomes bubbly, which will help to infuse the other flavors.
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Sauté the Veggies: Add the finely chopped onion, diced green chilies, and fresh or frozen corn kernels to the melted butter. Sauté the mixture for about 3 minutes over high heat. Stir constantly to ensure everything cooks evenly and doesn’t burn, until the onions become slightly translucent and the corn begins to soften.
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Add the Creamy Base: Pour in the half-and-half and whole milk. Stir to combine, allowing the creamy mixture to swirl into the corn and chilies, creating a luscious base. Add the fresh cilantro at this point, letting its fragrant aroma meld with the soup. Season with salt to taste.
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Bring to a Boil: Turn up the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a boil. This will help the soup come together and develop a richer flavor.
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Simmer the Soup: Once the soup reaches a rolling boil, immediately lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop and the soup to thicken to a velvety consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
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Serve & Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous amount of the creamy corn mixture. Sprinkle the grated Monterey Jack cheese on top of each bowl while it’s still hot so it melts beautifully into the soup.
Tips & Variations
- For a Creamier Texture: If you prefer an even richer texture, you can use heavy cream instead of half-and-half. This will give the soup a silkier finish and enhance its indulgent flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few extra diced green chilies if you like a spicier kick in your Sopa de Elote.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of whole milk and substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. For the cheese, you can either skip it or use a dairy-free cheese variety.
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a few cloves of garlic, minced and sautéed with the onions, for an added layer of depth in the soup’s flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sopa de Elote offers a perfect balance of creaminess and sweetness, with just enough heat to keep things interesting. The corn provides natural sweetness, while the green chilies add a subtle warmth, making this soup the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s the ideal dish for a cozy dinner at home or an appetizer for a festive meal, this soup can be paired with anything from crusty cornbread sticks to a simple salad. And with the added benefit of being quick and easy to prepare, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
This recipe yields 8 servings, so it’s perfect for serving a crowd, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or preparing a family meal. The combination of simple ingredients and flavorful textures makes this soup both satisfying and versatile, giving it a place in your culinary repertoire for years to come.
Reader Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Review Count: 3
Conclusion
Sopa de Elote (Sweet Corn Soup) is a Tex-Mex masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of the Southwestern U.S. in a bowl. With its creamy texture, vibrant corn flavor, and subtle heat from the chilies, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. Serve it with your favorite bread or enjoy it as a standalone dish—either way, this soup will leave everyone at the table satisfied. Give it a try today and share this warm, comforting dish with your loved ones!
