Whip Up a Smooth Creamy Corn and Cilantro Recipe Today

Summer’s golden kernels burst with flavor in this creamy corn and cilantro delight recipe that promises a zesty twist on classic comfort food.

Vibrant green cilantro weaves through sweet corn, creating a symphony of fresh, bright tastes.

Each spoonful delivers rich, velvety textures that dance on your palate with unexpected harmony.

The ingredients blend seamlessly, revealing layers of complexity in every bite.

Smooth and satisfying, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Local farmers’ markets provide the perfect fresh corn for this culinary adventure.

Dive into this mouthwatering creation and let your taste buds celebrate the magic of simple, wholesome ingredients.

Tools That Make Creamy Corn and Cilantro Simple

• Large Nonstick Pot or Cast Iron Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing corn and onions with even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching the pot's surface.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and chili powder.
• Tongs: Useful for removing corn cobs from the soup.
• Blender or Food Processor: Key for creating a smooth, creamy texture.
• Ladle: Helpful for transferring soup between pot and blender.
• Lime Zester (optional): Adds a fresh garnish with lime zest.

Steps to Prepare Creamy Corn and Cilantro

• Corn and Onion Sizzle

Warm up a spacious pot with a splash of oil. Toss in fresh corn kernels, diced onions, and a sprinkle of spicy chili powder. Let everything dance and caramelize, stirring occasionally until the onions turn soft and corn gets those delightful golden-brown edges.

• Aromatic Garlic Wake-Up

Introduce minced garlic to the party, letting its fragrance bloom for a moment. Scoop out a portion of the corn mixture and set it aside for later magic.

• Broth Bath

Pour in rich broth and nestle corn cobs into the mix. Scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let everything simmer and mingle, developing deep flavors.

• Creamy Transformation

Pluck out the corn cobs. Swirl in velvety sour cream and crumbly Cotija cheese, creating a luxurious base.

• Silky Smooth Blend

Transfer the mixture to a blender and whirl until impossibly smooth and dreamy.

• Final Flourish

Return the soup to the pot. Fold in reserved corn, a squeeze of lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with a sprinkle of extra cheese, zesty lime zest, and a confetti of cilantro on top.

Tips to Balance the Cream in Corn and Cilantro

• Corn Cooking Magic: Learn how to perfectly char corn kernels without burning them by stirring frequently and using medium-high heat for maximum flavor development.
• Texture Transformation: Keep some corn kernels whole by setting aside 1-1/2 cups before blending, ensuring a delightful mix of smooth and chunky textures in each spoonful.
• Dairy Harmony: Experiment with different cheese options like queso fresco or sharp cheddar instead of Cotija for unique flavor profiles that complement the corn's sweetness.
• Spice Adventure: Boost heat levels by adding diced jalapeños during the initial corn cooking stage or sprinkle extra chili powder for those who love a zesty kick.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: This soup can be prepared 2-3 days in advance, with flavors actually improving as they meld together in the refrigerator – simply reheat gently before serving.

Serving Creamy Corn and Cilantro Fresh

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice some crusty sourdough or rustic country bread, lightly toasted and brushed with olive oil, to dip into this creamy corn soup for added texture and warmth.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with grilled shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or seared shrimp to transform this dish into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Fresh Garnish Flourish: Sprinkle additional fresh chopped cilantro, a dash of chili powder, or some thinly sliced green onions on top to enhance the soup's vibrant flavors and create a beautiful visual presentation that makes the dish pop.
• Cool Cream Contrast: Add a small dollop of Mexican crema or Greek yogurt right before serving to introduce a cool, tangy element that balances the soup's rich, warm characteristics and provides an elegant finishing touch.

Store and Reheat Creamy Corn and Cilantro

• Refrigerator Storage Solutions: Seal the soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Corn-based soups maintain best texture when stored without additional toppings.
• Freezing Magic: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze flat for maximum storage efficiency, lasting 2-3 months without compromising flavor integrity.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup gradually in the refrigerator. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency. Add extra broth if needed to prevent scorching.
• Topping Freshness Hack: Keep garnishes like Cotija, cilantro, and lime zest separate until serving moment. This strategy maintains crisp textures and prevents soggy ingredients, ensuring each bowl tastes freshly prepared.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Creamy Corn and Cilantro

• Corn Kernels: Sweet and juicy corn that provides the primary flavor and texture of the dish.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base to the soup's foundation.
• Chili Powder: Delivers a warm, subtle heat and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the natural sweetness of corn and other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a gentle, sharp undertone to complement the corn's sweetness.

• Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base that intensifies the soup's depth.
• Sour Cream: Provides creamy texture and tangy undertone to balance the soup's richness.
• Cotija Cheese: Offers a salty, crumbly texture and authentic Mexican cheese character.

• Garlic: Introduces a pungent, aromatic element to elevate the soup's complexity.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy acidity to balance the creamy components.
• Lime Zest: Provides intense, fresh citrus aroma and visual appeal.
• Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the corn's sweetness.

Silky Corn and Cilantro Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn delight blends sweet corn, creamy cheese, and zesty cilantro in a quick side dish. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation create a memorable culinary experience you’ll want to savor again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups fresh corn kernels (from 8–10 shucked cobs)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated dry/aged cotija cheese (plus additional for garnish)
• ¼ cup olive or vegetable oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
• ¼ tsp ancho chili powder
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp grated lime zest
• 2 tbsps plus 2 tsp chopped cilantro, divided

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat, coating with oil. Tumble corn kernels, onions, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the pot, stirring vigorously to prevent scorching.
2. Caramelization: Allow corn and onions to dance and transform, developing deep golden hues and releasing intense flavors for 8-10 minutes. Introduce minced garlic, letting its fragrance infuse the mixture for a minute. Carefully separate 1-1/2 cups of the corn medley for later garnishing.
3. Flavor Extraction: Add broth and corn cobs, scraping the pot’s bottom to liberate concentrated flavor essence. Bring liquid to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes. Remove corn cobs with tongs and discard.
4. Creamy Transformation: Blend the mixture until achieving a silky smooth consistency, working in batches if needed. Fold in sour cream and Cotija, creating a luxurious texture. Return to pot and gently reheat.
5. Final Touches: Incorporate reserved corn mixture, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with remaining corn, lime zest, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese.

Notes

• Caramelize Corn Carefully: Stirring prevents burning and develops rich, deep flavors by allowing corn to develop golden brown edges without sticking.
• Scrape Fond Thoroughly: The browned bits at the bottom of the pot hold concentrated flavor, so use a wooden spoon to release every delicious morsel during liquid addition.
• Blend in Batches: Overfilling the blender can cause hot liquid to explode, so process soup in smaller quantities to ensure smooth, safe blending.
• Temperature Control Matters: Gentle reheating prevents cream separation and maintains the soup’s silky texture, ensuring a luxurious final presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg