Return to top
featured in… The Huffington Post CookingLight Reader's Digest Women's Health BuzzFeed Glamour Whole Foods Oprah Winfrey Network CNN Food Network Healthline Shape

Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Spicy, Creamy Mexican Corn Soup

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.

This creamy Mexican Corn Soup is packed full of fresh ingredients and a blend of delicious spices. Dairy-free, low in calories, and ready in 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying soup the whole family will love!

mexican corn soup - spicy, dairy-free, served in a blue bowl with fresh corn, tomatoes, and a corn chip as garnishes

I’ve never been a huge fan of corn soup.

While I love the sweetness of fresh corn, I’ve often found corn soups to be too heavy (with all of the cream and butter), and a little too bland for my taste.

My husband, on the other hand, absolutely loves creamy soups of all kinds – Mexican corn soup being one of his favorites. Whenever he has a choice between a cream-based soup and a broth-based soup, he always chooses the cream-based soup.

Latest Recipe Video!

So I decided that I was going to make-over the traditional creamy corn soup without using any actual cream in the recipe, to see if I could make a healthier version that my whole family would enjoy!

Instead of cream, I added vegetable broth and potato for that “creamy” feeling, warm spices like cumin and chili powder, and fun toppings like tomatoes and cilantro for some texture and flavor.

mexican corn soup - spicy, dairy-free, served in a blue bowl with fresh corn, tomatoes, and a corn chip as garnishes

How to Make Spicy Mexican Corn Soup

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

Recipe Ingredients and Notes

ingredients for potato corn chowder - corn, potatoes, onions, broth, spices
  • Corn: Because it can’t be a creamy corn soup without corn! Fresh or frozen works well here!
  • Potatoes: Any potato will work well – russet, yukon gold or even red potatoes
  • Spices: Cumin, chili powder, cayenne, garlic and black pepper give this Mexican corn soup a depth of flavor.
  • Broth: Low sodium vegetable broth is the best option here!
  • Onions: For additional flavor – and onions just pair really well with the garlic in this soup!

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut the onion, potato, and trim the corn kernels off the 5 ears of corn. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.

onions sauteed in a pot

Step 2: Add the potato and broth, bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are very soft – about 10 minutes.

potatoes and broth added to pot

Step 3: Then add the fresh corn and cook through for a couple minutes more.

corn added to pot with potatoes and broth

Step 4: Add a bit more vegetable broth if your creamy corn soup looks too thick. Add all of your spices (cumin, chili powder, cayenne, black pepper).

spices being added to pot with corn soup

Step 5: Puree with an immersion/hand blender, or with a regular blender/food processor.

immersion blender blending corn soup inside the pot

When your soup is done, it will look like this:

immersion blender blending corn soup inside the pot

Step 6: Top this Mexican corn chowder with a variety of toppings: cilantro, tomatoes, fresh corn, crushed corn chips, avocado, or anything else you can think of!

potato corn chowder - spicy, dairy-free, served in a blue bowl with fresh corn, tomatoes, and a corn chip as garnishes with a spoon in the bowl

What Makes This Mexican Corn Soup Healthy?

  • Low in Fat and Calories: It can be enjoyed guilt-free with only 128 calories and 2.3 grams of fat per serving.
  • Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free: This soup is rich and flavorful without any butter or cream. It is naturally gluten-free. Whether you follow a special diet or not everyone will enjoy this soup.
  • Fresh Seasonal Ingredients: This creamy corn soup uses fresh seasonal ingredients. Unlike canned soups you won’t find any processed ingredients.
  • Low Sodium: Many canned soups are very high in sodium. This Mexican corn soup uses low-sodium vegetable stock which helps keeps the sodium levels low. 
  • High in Fiber: Sweet corn is loaded with fiber which aids in digestion, and helps you feel fuller longer. Fiber is also known to lower cholesterol and help control blood sugar.
  • Rich in Vitamins and Nutrients: Fresh sweet corn is a good source of B vitamins, iron, potassium and plant protein. It’s also a good source of the antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health.

Is Mexican Corn Soup Kid-Friendly?

This is a smooth and delicious soup. Kids will enjoy customizing their own toppings with ingredients such as tomatoes and cilantro. Some kids might find this corn soup a bit too spicy. I recommend transferring a few ladles of the soup to a small sauce pan before adding the chili powder and cayenne. That way the kids can enjoy the soup spice free!

mexican corn soup - spicy, dairy-free, served in a blue bowl with fresh corn, tomatoes, and a corn chip as garnishes

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy corn soup with a side of corn bread or crusty whole wheat bread and a green salad with vinaigrette dressing, topped with toasted pecans or almonds.

Try these soup toppings for more texture and flavor…

  • Cilantro
  • Diced tomato
  • Crushed corn chips
  • Diced avocado
  • Fresh sweet corn

How to Store and Keep

Let this Mexican corn chowder cool completely. Then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge. It will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. 

To freeze: Simply let the soup cool completely after cooking and then pour into a sealable freezer container or portion into ziplock bags.

To reheat: Defrost the soup in the refrigerator for 12 hours and then reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.

Top Tips for Making The Best Mexican Corn Soup

  • If you can’t get fresh corn, you can use frozen.
  • Use a low sodium vegetable stock.
  • If you are using a stand blender, it’s best to blend the soup in batches.
  • If using fresh corn, steam and prepare just before making the soup.
  • Dial back the cayenne pepper and chili powder if you want a milder flavor.
  • Reserve a few ladles before adding spices to make a kid friendly spice free version. 
  • Add some long grain brown rice, if you want it extra hearty. You can even puree it with the brown rice cooked in the soup for a thicker, creamier texture.
  • For additional protein, add 1 15oz can of cannelini beans into this Mexican corn chowder while it’s cooking (at the same time you add in the corn). And then follow the rest of the directions through the puree stage!
  • Get creative with toppings such as cilantro, avocado and corn chips.
  • Serve with some crusty bread or corn bread and a light crunchy salad.
  • Soups freeze well, make a big batch and freeze the rest for easy meals!
mexican corn soup - spicy, dairy-free, served in a blue bowl with fresh corn, tomatoes, and a corn chip as garnishes

Be Sure To Check Out These Other Healthy Soup Recipes!

If you have tried this Spicy Mexican Corn Soup recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family friendly food!

🎥 Watch How to Make It

https://youtu.be/BHXeFvM8FZ0
potato corn chowder - spicy, dairy-free, served in a blue bowl with fresh corn, tomatoes, and a corn chip as garnishes
Print Recipe
5 from 10 votes

Spicy, Creamy Mexican Corn Soup

This Mexican Corn Soup is packed full of fresh ingredients and a blend of delicious spices. Dairy-free, low in calories, and ready in 30 minutes, it's a satisfying soup the whole family will love!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine: American, Vegan
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 128.7kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut the onion, potato, and trim the corn kernels off the 5 ears of corn.
  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, saute for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the potato and broth, bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are very soft – about 10 minutes. Then add the fresh corn and cook through for a couple minutes more.
  • Add a bit more vegetable broth if your soup mixture looks too thick. Add all of your spices (cumin, chili powder, cayenne, black pepper). Then puree with an immersion/hand blender, or with a regular blender/food processor.
  • Top with a variety of toppings: cilantro, tomatoes, fresh corn, crushed corn chips, avocado, or anything else you can think of! Enjoy!

Notes

Top Tips for Making Mexican Corn Soup
  • If you can’t get fresh corn, you can use frozen.
  • Use a low sodium vegetable stock.
  • If you are using a stand blender, it’s best to blend the soup in batches.
  • If using fresh corn, steam and prepare just before making the soup.
  • Dial back the cayenne pepper and chili powder if you want a milder flavor.
  • Reserve a few ladles before adding spices to make a kid friendly spice free version. 
  • Add some long grain brown rice, if you want it extra hearty. You can even puree it with the brown rice cooked in the soup for a thicker, creamier texture.
  • For additional protein, add 1 15oz can cannelini beans into the soup while it’s cooking (at the same time you add in the corn). And then follow the rest of the directions through the puree stage!
  • Get creative with toppings such as cilantro, avocado and corn chips.
  • Serve with some crusty bread or corn bread and a light crunchy salad.
  • Soups freeze well, make a big batch and freeze the rest for easy meals!

Nutrition

Calories: 128.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 26.8g | Protein: 4.1g | Fat: 2.3g | Sodium: 280.9mg | Fiber: 4.2g | Sugar: 6.2g

56 responses to “Spicy, Creamy Mexican Corn Soup”

  1. I LOVE corn soup, and all those gorgeous Mexican flavours in yours sound absolutely delicious! So pretty too. Great recipe!5 stars

  2. I am a bit like you as in so so when it comes to corn soup, but I love that your husband is fully into them! This is one I am going to have to try as it looks amazing. Cheers5 stars

  3. I love the vibrant colors of this soup. Corn chowder has always been one of my favorite soups but I’ve never made it. This recipe looks delicious. Can’t wait to try it.5 stars

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Subscribe to newsletter

Copyright 2024 The Picky Eater®, LLC. All rights reserved.