Homestyle Corn Soup is a classic comfort food that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With its sweet and creamy base, this soup is perfect for any time of the year, whether you’re looking for a warm bowl of comfort on a cold winter’s night or a light, refreshing dish in the summer. What’s great about this recipe is that it uses minimal ingredients, making it an accessible dish to prepare even on busy days. Plus, you can use frozen corn if fresh corn isn’t available, so it’s a recipe you can make year-round with pantry staples.
The rich, sweet flavor of corn is the star of this soup, and the creamy broth adds depth and smoothness. Whether you enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this soup is bound to become a go-to favorite. Best of all, it can be easily customized to suit your preferences, with options to add additional vegetables or spices for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (for creaminess)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream or grated cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes and Corn
- Add the diced potatoes and corn kernels to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth), bring the soup to a simmer, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Blend the Soup (Optional)
- Once the potatoes are tender, you can either blend the soup to create a creamy texture or leave it as is for a chunkier soup.
- If you prefer a smooth, creamy soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
- If you like it a bit chunkier, simply mash some of the potatoes with a spoon or potato masher to thicken the soup without blending it completely.
Step 4: Add Cream and Season
- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) to add richness and creaminess to the soup. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes to combine.
- Season the soup with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
- For extra creaminess and flavor, top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
- Serve with crusty bread for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love Homestyle Corn Soup:
This Homestyle Corn Soup is a great recipe to have in your repertoire, thanks to its simplicity and versatility. The sweet corn is naturally packed with flavor, and when combined with the creamy broth, it becomes an incredibly comforting soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The potatoes help give the soup its creamy texture without requiring any flour or cream-based roux, making it a naturally thickened soup that’s perfect for those following gluten-free or dairy-free diets (if you substitute with coconut milk).
Another great thing about this soup is how adaptable it is. You can easily customize it by adding extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to add more nutrition and flavor. For a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a jalapeño for some heat. It’s also an excellent base if you want to add some shredded chicken or bacon for extra protein and flavor.
Using frozen corn is a great way to make this recipe year-round. While fresh corn may only be available in the summer months, frozen corn is available year-round, and it’s just as nutritious. Additionally, frozen corn saves time because it doesn’t require husking or cutting off the cob, making this recipe even quicker to prepare.
This soup is also family-friendly. It’s mild enough for kids to enjoy, but it can be spiced up for adults with some crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lime juice. It also makes for great leftovers—just store any extra soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving) (1 cup):
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 500mg (varies depending on broth used)
- Vitamin A: 8% of the daily value
- Vitamin C: 15% of the daily value
- Calcium: 4% of the daily value
- Iron: 6% of the daily value
