Imagine a creamy, comforting soup that bursts with the smoky, earthy flavors of poblano peppers and the sweet, buttery goodness of corn. This is exactly what you’ll find in a bowl of Poblano Corn Soup. This hearty and satisfying dish is a perfect choice for a cozy evening or a light meal.
Poblano peppers, known for their mild heat and smoky flavor, add a unique depth to this soup. Combined with the sweetness of corn and the richness of cream or milk, it creates a truly delicious and satisfying experience. Whether you prefer a smooth and velvety texture or a chunky consistency with visible pieces of corn and poblano, there’s a version of this soup to suit every taste.
Get ready to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with this classic recipe. Let’s dive into the world of Poblano Corn Soup and discover the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
To make this soup, I used basic ingredients including chicken stock, cumin, chili powder, fresh garlic cloves, yellow onion, poblano peppers, olive oil, Better Than Bouillon chicken base, and frozen corn.
For extra flavor and texture, consider adding toppings like cooked, chopped chicken, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, queso blanco cheese, fresh jalapeño slices, or sour cream. While I used frozen corn in this recipe, you can also use fresh or leftover corn kernels if you prefer.
HOW TO MAKE POBLANO CORN SOUP
Step 1: Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, followed by the chopped onions and poblano peppers. Sauté for a few minutes until softened.
Note: Poblanos can add a bit of spice or heat. If you’re concerned about the spice level, be sure to remove the seeds and ribs, as these parts contain most of the heat.
Step 2: Stir the spices and garlic into the poblano mixture, combining well. Then, pour in the chicken stock and add the thawed corn kernels. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the peppers and onions are tender and fully cooked.
Step 3: Transfer about half of the soup to a high-speed blender. While you can use a food processor or immersion blender, a high-speed blender tends to achieve a smoother consistency. Puree the soup, then return it to the pot.
Be cautious when blending hot soup. Avoid overfilling the blender to prevent spills caused by the heat. Keep a kitchen towel or paper towel handy for any splashes, and you may need to blend in batches.
Simmer the soup for another minute or two to allow the flavors to meld, then remove from heat.
Step 4: While the soup is simmering, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a vegetarian or meatless version, you can skip the chicken entirely.
Step 5: Once the soup is ready, stir the chicken into the pot and mix well. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve the soup in bowls with lime wedges on the side, so everyone can add a squeeze of lime to their bowl before eating.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or freeze in soup containers. For the printable recipe card, please scroll down.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS SWEET CORN & POBLANO SOUP
There are several ways to customize this soup to suit your taste:
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be packed with flavor.
- Texture Options: You can choose to puree all of the soup, leave it completely unpureed, or do a mix of both. I prefer a slightly thicker texture with some creaminess from pureeing, which avoids the need for heavy cream.
- Heartier Option: For a more substantial soup, add the cooked chicken at the end. My husband enjoys this method as it makes the soup thicker and chunkier.
- Toppings: Enhance your soup with toppings like queso blanco cheese, sour cream, or even feta cheese. Fresh cilantro or parsley adds a nice touch, and for extra heat, try adding thinly sliced fresh jalapeños. I personally loved the combination of queso blanco and cilantro, though my husband thought it was great on its own.
CONCLUSION
This creamy Poblano Corn Soup is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the smoky heat of poblano peppers with the sweetness of corn. Whether you prefer a smooth and velvety texture or a chunky consistency with visible pieces of corn and poblano, this soup is sure to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.
With its rich flavor profile and comforting texture, Poblano Corn Soup is a perfect choice for a cozy evening or a light meal. So why not give it a try and experience the deliciousness of this classic recipe?
