Flavors reminiscent of corn chowder, but with a lighter texture. Bright and fresh, this soup really shines during fresh sweet corn season, but make this one year round using frozen corn if you'd like. Don't skip the topping of caramelized roasted corn guacamole - it's out of this world.
8-10earsfresh sweet cornkernels removed. About 4 ½ cups of kernels.
2Tablespoonolive oil
salt and fresh ground black pepper
For The Sweet Corn Soup
3cupsroasted sweet corn
1clovegarliccrushed
1cuponionsweet or Vidalia, chopped
1jalapenostemmed, deveined, seeded and chopped
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
2cupsChicken broth
For The Roasted Corn Guacamole
1 - 1 ½cupsroasted corn kernels
5-6cherry tomatoeschopped
2Tablespoonsonionsweet or Vidalia, chopped
2Tablespoonscilantrofine chopped
1limezest and juice
1jalapenoseeded, deveined and fine chopped
1avocadopitted and chopped
½ teaspoonolive oil
Cilantro sprigsfor garnish
½teaspoonNew Mexico Red Chile Powderfor garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place all of the corn kernels on the baking sheet and toss with the olive oil and some salt and pepper.
Spread the corn out evenly and roast for about 30 minutes or until the corn starts to turn a golden brown and caramelized and slightly crunchy. Stir the kernels every 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
For The Soup
Place 3 cups of roasted corn kernels in a food processor.
Heat a Dutch oven over medium high heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, turn the heat to medium and add the onion and jalapeno. Saute until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
Salt and pepper and add the garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, which will only take a few seconds.
Transfer this mixture to the food processor with the corn and puree until almost smooth. You want a few chunks of corn to show.
Pour the puree into the soup pot and place over medium heat. Str constantly for a few minutes. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes.
For the Roasted Corn Guacamole
While the soup is cooking, make the roasted corn guacamole by combining the remainder of the roasted corn (which should be about 1 ½ cups), chopped onion, cilantro, lime zest and juice, tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil and jalapeno. Gently stir in the avocado. Season with salt and pepper.
Ladle the soup into bowls and place a generous amount of the guacamole in the center of each bowl. Garnish with a small sprig of cilantro and a dusting of New Mexico Chile Powder if you wish.
Notes
Tips For Success:
If you're going to use frozen corn to make this recipe please choose a quality brand. Some of the less expensive brands can be tough in texture, which can make the soup chewy, and not as sweet. Always choose quality ingredients.