Sweet Corn Soup
A comforting and creamy Indo-Chinese classic, this soup is a perfect blend of sweet corn, tender vegetables, and savory seasonings. It's a restaurant favorite that's incredibly easy to make at home, ideal as a starter or a light meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Corn Base
- b.Set aside 1/2 cup of whole sweet corn kernels for texture.
- c.In a blender, combine the remaining 1.5 cups of sweet corn kernels with 1/4 cup of water or broth.
- d.Blend into a coarse paste. Avoid making it perfectly smooth to maintain some texture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped ginger and garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- d.Add the finely chopped french beans and carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender-crisp.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Simmer
- b.Add the blended corn paste and the reserved whole corn kernels to the pot.
- c.Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth and stir well to combine everything.
- d.Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Season the Soup
- b.Stir in the salt, sugar, white pepper powder, light soy sauce, and white vinegar.
- c.Mix well and taste. Adjust seasonings if necessary; you might want more salt for savoriness, sugar for sweetness, or vinegar for a tangy kick.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Thicken and Finish
- b.In a small bowl, whisk the 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- c.While stirring the soup continuously with one hand, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot with the other.
- d.Continue to stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The soup will thicken to a glossy, velvety consistency. Turn off the heat.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
- c.Garnish generously with freshly chopped spring onion greens.
- d.Serve immediately with optional additions like chili vinegar or fried noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use white pepper powder. Black pepper has a different flavor profile and will alter the taste.
- 2Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid to prevent lumps.
- 3Adjust the soup's consistency by adding more or less cornstarch slurry.
- 4For a shortcut, you can use one can of cream-style corn and one can of whole kernel corn, skipping the blending step.
- 5Serve the soup immediately, as it tends to thicken further as it cools down.
- 6For extra umami, add a splash of sesame oil at the very end before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Non-Vegetarian
Add 1/2 cup of finely shredded boiled chicken along with the vegetables in Step 2. You can also whisk an egg and slowly drizzle it into the simmering soup just before thickening for an egg-drop effect.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add 1 finely chopped green chili along with the ginger and garlic for a bit of heat. You can also serve with chili vinegar or chili oil on the side.
Creamier TextureCreamier Texture
For a richer, creamier soup without dairy, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of coconut milk or cream at the end, after turning off the heat.
Added ProteinAdded Protein
Add 1/2 cup of finely diced firm tofu or crumbled paneer along with the vegetables for a protein boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Corn and vegetables like carrots and beans are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining a feeling of fullness.
Low in Calories
As a broth-based soup with plenty of vegetables, it is low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for weight management or as a light, guilt-free meal.
Source of Antioxidants
Sweet corn contains antioxidants like ferulic acid and lutein, which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version of sweet corn soup is quite healthy. It's packed with vegetables, low in fat, and made with a clear vegetable broth. Corn provides fiber and essential nutrients. To make it even healthier, use a low-sodium vegetable broth and be mindful of the added salt and sugar.