Sweet Corn Soup
A comforting and creamy Indo-Chinese soup, bursting with the sweetness of corn and a medley of finely chopped vegetables. It's a restaurant-style favorite that's incredibly easy to make at home, perfect for a chilly evening or as a light meal starter.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Corn Base
- Separate the sweet corn kernels. Take 1.5 cups and add them to a blender with a splash of water.
- Blend into a coarse paste. Avoid making it perfectly smooth to retain some texture.
- Keep the remaining 0.5 cup of whole corn kernels aside for later.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the minced ginger and garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the finely chopped carrots and french beans. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender-crisp.
Simmer the Soup
- Add the coarse corn paste and the reserved whole corn kernels to the pot. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Season and Thicken
- Uncover the pot and stir in the light soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and white pepper powder.
- In a small bowl, whisk the corn starch with 1/4 cup of cold water until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- While stirring the soup continuously with one hand, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot with the other. This prevents lumps from forming.
- Continue to stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might need more salt, pepper, or a touch of vinegar.
- Turn off the heat. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
- Garnish generously with freshly chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, do not substitute white pepper with black pepper. They have very different flavor profiles.
- 2To save time, you can use a 15-ounce can of cream-style corn in place of blending your own corn paste.
- 3If the soup becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little hot water or vegetable broth.
- 4For a richer flavor, add a few drops of toasted sesame oil just before serving.
- 5Ensure the water used for the cornstarch slurry is cold or at room temperature to prevent it from clumping instantly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Non-Vegetarian
Add 1/2 cup of finely shredded boiled chicken along with the vegetable broth for a classic Chicken Sweet Corn Soup.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a finely chopped green chili along with the ginger and garlic for a spicy kick.
With EggWith Egg
For an egg drop version, slowly drizzle one lightly beaten egg into the simmering soup while stirring continuously, just before turning off the heat.
Extra CreamyExtra Creamy
For a creamier texture, blend about one-third of the finished soup and stir it back into the pot.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Sweet corn is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Provides Antioxidants
Corn contains beneficial antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health and protecting the body's cells from oxidative damage.
Energy Boosting
The carbohydrates in corn provide a readily available source of energy, making this soup a comforting and revitalizing meal.
Hydrating and Light
With a broth base, this soup contributes to your daily fluid intake, helping you stay hydrated. It's also low in calories, making it a great choice for a light meal.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this homemade Sweet Corn Soup contains approximately 145-160 calories, making it a light and healthy option for an appetizer or a light meal.