he sweetness of summer corn meets the rich creaminess of coconut milk in this dreamy, plant-based soup. Balanced with gentle spice, zesty lime, and aromatic herbs, this dish brings together the perfect harmony of flavors in every spoonful.
Whether you’re craving something light yet satisfying or want a cozy meal that fits into your gluten-free, dairy-free lifestyle, this Creamy Corn Soup delivers. It’s an ideal dish for transitional seasons, bright and fresh, yet warm and grounding. You’ll want to make it again and again.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
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1 medium Yukon gold potato, peeled and diced
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3 cups vegetable broth
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1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
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1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh)
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Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
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Optional: diced jalapeño, for heat
Directions:
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In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add corn, diced potato, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Transfer about half the soup to a blender, add coconut milk, and blend until smooth.
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Pour the blended mixture back into the pot and stir to combine with the remaining soup.
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Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
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Reheat gently if needed, then serve hot, garnished with cilantro and jalapeño if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Creamy Corn Soup: A Comforting, Plant-Based Classic for All Seasons
Corn soup is a dish that transcends cultures, seasons, and dietary preferences. Whether you grew up slurping it from a steaming bowl in your grandmother’s kitchen or discovered its creamy goodness in a restaurant bowl, corn soup has a special place in many culinary traditions. From Mexican elote-style soups to Thai coconut corn creations and American chowders, the humble corn kernel shines through as a star ingredient.
This Creamy Corn Soup is our homage to the natural sweetness of corn, enhanced with fragrant aromatics, earthy Yukon gold potatoes, and a silky coconut milk finish. The result is a bowl full of cozy, dairy-free, plant-based nourishment that feels both indulgent and health-conscious.
And the best part? It comes together in under 40 minutes using simple pantry staples. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or simply a soup lover, this dish deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
There’s something universally comforting about a bowl of hot soup, especially when it has the creamy richness of a chowder without the heaviness of dairy or excessive fats. This Creamy Corn Soup achieves a perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Here’s why you’ll love it:
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Gluten-free and dairy-free: Naturally friendly for those with allergies or dietary preferences.
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Vegan but satisfying: Rich coconut milk and potatoes create body and depth without needing animal products.
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Fast and easy: One pot, minimal prep, and ready in under an hour.
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Flavor-forward: Smoky paprika, tangy lime, and optional jalapeño for heat bring layers of interest to the sweetness of corn.
The Ingredients: Simple Yet Powerful
1. Corn
The soul of this soup. You can use fresh corn cut off the cob in summer, frozen corn year-round, or even canned corn in a pinch. Corn’s natural sugars intensify as they cook, making it ideal for a slightly sweet, comforting broth.
2. Yukon Gold Potatoes
These potatoes have a buttery texture that blends beautifully when cooked and pureed. They add a creamy consistency without needing cream.
3. Onion and Garlic
These aromatics provide the base flavor that makes the soup savory and well-rounded. They are sautéed in olive oil to release their flavors before the other ingredients are added.
4. Vegetable Broth
A good-quality vegetable broth brings richness and a savory undertone that enhances every bite. Opt for a low-sodium version so you can control the salt levels.
5. Coconut Milk
The secret to that creamy finish. Coconut milk gives the soup a luxurious texture and a gentle sweetness that complements the corn. Use full-fat for the best mouthfeel.
6. Lime Juice
This splash of acidity brightens the soup and brings balance to the creaminess of the coconut milk. Don’t skip it!
7. Spices and Herbs
Smoked paprika adds warmth and complexity. Black pepper enhances depth, and cilantro offers a fresh garnish. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Nutritional Benefits
This soup doesn’t just taste amazing, it’s good for you, too.
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Corn: Rich in fiber, vitamin B, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that promote eye health.
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Potatoes: Provide potassium and vitamin C while supporting satiety.
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Coconut Milk: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can support metabolism and energy.
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Garlic and Onion: Known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Together, these ingredients create a meal that nourishes the body while pleasing the palate.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
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Blend it right: For a super creamy finish, blend at least half of the soup using a high-powered blender. For a rustic texture, blend just a portion and mix it back in.
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Customize the texture: Add more broth for a thinner consistency or simmer longer uncovered to thicken.
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Layer flavors: Taste as you go. Add a pinch of salt after blending and another after adding lime juice to perfect the seasoning.
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Garnish with purpose: Use chopped cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, jalapeños, or even crunchy tortilla strips for added flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This soup makes a hearty starter or a light main dish. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
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Serve with crusty bread or sourdough toast to sop up the creamy goodness.
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Pair with a fresh green salad topped with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette.
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Add protein by topping the soup with crispy tofu cubes, grilled tempeh, or white beans.
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Make it spicy with a swirl of chili oil or a spoonful of salsa verde.
And for an elegant presentation, drizzle a bit of coconut cream in a spiral pattern and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Variations and Add-Ons
Corn soup is endlessly adaptable. Here are some ways to switch things up:
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Make it Southwest-style: Add black beans, roasted red peppers, and cumin.
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Add mushrooms for an earthy twist that brings umami depth.
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Include carrots or celery for more veggie variety and sweetness.
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Add cooked quinoa or brown rice for a more filling meal.
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Try Thai-style by adding a splash of soy sauce, a touch of ginger, and garnishing with Thai basil.
Storing and Freezing
This soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in single-serving containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth if it thickens.
Just note that while coconut milk freezes well, the texture may slightly change upon thawing, blend again for the smoothest consistency.
Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight, serving guests with dietary restrictions, or simply craving a bowl of plant-based comfort, this Creamy Corn Soup delivers on every front. It’s a simple recipe made from wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts.
From the first sautéed onion to the last squeeze of lime, every step is designed to build flavor and nourish the body. It’s flexible, fast, and full of personality and once you try it, you’ll see why this dish deserves a place in your regular recipe repertoire.
So grab your favorite soup pot, stock up on sweet corn, and get ready to ladle out pure golden goodness.