Corn Soup with Queso
Sopa de Elote con Queso
Recipe Yield
6 servings
Cooking time
20 minutes
Rate this recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup white onion finely chopped
- 1 to 2 serrano or jalapeño chiles stemmed and finely chopped
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels from 5 to 6 ears of corn or substitute with thawed from frozen
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
- 1/4 cup fresh epazote leaves chopped, or substitute with cilantro
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced queso fresco
To Prepare
- In a soup pot set over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the oil. Once it sizzles, add the onion and chile and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until completely wilted and beginning to brown.
- Add the corn and salt, stir, and cook for another 3 minutes. Add the epazote or cilantro and stir.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Then cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Pour the soup into bowls and serve hot. Top with queso fresco.
Comments
94comments inCorn Soup with Queso
Jacquelyn A Alberto
Jan 24
It was easy, fast – really good!
Pati Jinich
Jan 27
Yay!
Irene
Aug 27
I just read your recipe and it sounds delicious. Do you think it would be just as good if I shredded some rotisserie chicken into it? I am diabetic and would love to add some protein to your wonderful recipe without ruining it.
Pati Jinich
Sep 04
Absolutely Irene, such a great addition to this soup, enjoy!
Libby Scribner
Aug 24
As a vegetarian who loves Mexican and tex Mexican food I am always trying to make the recipes without meat. I used homemade veggies stock and doubled the corn and added 2 cups of black beans to this yummy soup. I also topped it with the quest fresco and added some Avocado slices. Yummy! Thank you for some simple recipes for me to play with. I’m learning to be a better cook from you.
Pati Jinich
Sep 04
Great ideas Libby, thanks so much for sharing!
Devayani Kurlekar
Jul 17
I love your show and your recipes. What do you do if you have frozen corn? Can I thaw it and then use it? Would it work? Thank y my so much.
Pati Jinich
Jul 27
Of course, frozen corn works as well 🙂
Laura
Jul 17
Looks so delicious! I love all your recipes, Pati. Thanks for sharing.
Pati Jinich
Jul 27
My pleasure Laura, un abrazo!
mirna
Jul 15
my mom do potatos with queso soup….❤️ ❤️ ❤️ igual de delicioso saludos…..
Pati Jinich
Jul 27
Si, que rico!
Teresa
Jul 15
One of my family’s favorites. I like to add potatoes.
Pati Jinich
Jul 27
Potatoes are a great addition, yay!
Monica Silva
Feb 16
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS RECIPE! Totally hits the spot on a cold day! We use one serrano chile without seeds and it’s perfect for us gringos 😆
Pati Jinich
Mar 09
So happy to hear you guys liked it, yay!
Sandra Trigueros
Jan 18
Pati
Esa sopa es con maíz blanco verdad?
Puede ser de lata y se le puede agregar pollo
Pati Jinich
Jan 28
Si, pero le puedes agregar lo que tu quieras, con pollo, que rico!
Carol Slosberg
Nov 04
Would dry epazote work as a substitute for fresh?
Pati Jinich
Nov 09
Yes for flavor, just use probably one tablespoon because it is even more pungent when dry 🙂
Caron Edwards
Oct 09
I wanted to make a simple soup for 40 migrant Mexican workers and your recipe was a big hit. I’ll make this one again.
Pati Jinich
Oct 24
Glad everyone enjoyed it Caron 🙂
Anonymous
Sep 27
My picky family said, “the soup was delicioso”!
Pati Jinich
Oct 11
Yay, super yay! Gracias 🙂
Lorena Sorensen
Apr 04
Sooo good!!
Pati Jinich
Apr 05
Glad you liked it Lorena 😉
Sonia McKenna
Feb 16
Fantastic!
Pati Jinich
Feb 18
Yay! 😉
Pat Kennedy
Feb 04
Dear Pati,
I love your recipes, and your shows and especially your cheerfulness! I have a problem. I can not stand the taste of CILANTRO. It tastes like I took a bite of soap! Yuck! It has the same effect on my Son.
So, what could we substitute it with?
Sincerely,
Pat
Pati Jinich
Feb 08
Most of the time I recommend to leave the cilantro out. Some people think parsley is a good substitute but not really for me 🙂
Mary Orozco
Jul 15
Could you use any leafy green, chopped or shredded very fine?
Pati Jinich
Jul 27
The epazote leaves have a very fragrant and unique flavor Mary, but if you cannot find it, you could use spinach or kale 🙂
margy
Sep 19
Corn Soup with Cheese excellent recipe few ingredients and time to cook in few minutes Great! A+
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
So glad you liked it Margy, thanks!
Benjamin
May 22
Just made this after watching it on TV this morning. Simple and tastes great.
Pati Jinich
May 23
Awesome, thanks so much Benjamin 😉
Alicia Capilla
Aug 02
Hi Patti,
I’m making this tomorrow! looks yummie…..I’ve never made one of your recopies that wasn’t AMAZING…Thanks for sharing your talent and delicious recipes with us.
I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Pati Jinich
Aug 04
Thanks for the kind words Alicia, hope you will love this soup as much as I do 😉
Jeanette in Napa
Jul 15
Hello Pati!
I went to the Mexican market today and as I was reaching for some beautiful peppers, I noticed a small container in the corner of my eye that read “EPAZOTE” in all caps. Having recalled an episode featuring this soup, I reached for it right away and proceeded to make a large pot of it with fresh corn when I got home. We all LOVED every drop of it. Thank you for sharing! I enjoy watching your show very very much.
Pati Jinich
Jul 19
So glad you loved epazote Jeanette! It is a very unique herb with a pungently delicious flavor that adds so much to many recipes but it goes especially well with corn and beans. Here a couple of recipes you may want to try if you have any left over: http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/street-corn/ and http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/whole-fried-snapper-with-hibiscus-epazote-and-oregano/
Oriana
May 27
Pati, oh how we just love, love, love your soups! ¡Son riquisimos! Would you happen to know where in the Washington, D.C. area can we find epazote leaves to cook this soup? (We are in Silver Spring!) Thank you in advance 🙂
Pati Jinich
May 28
Hi Oriana, thanks so much for your message. We are basically neighbors so I know you will find epazote in every single Latin Market in the area like Bestway, Panam, and the little ones all over the area.
Sarah
May 06
Pati thanks for this soup recipe! I never used epazote before I made this, I was really curious to try it and it turned out great! Thanks!
Pati Jinich
May 11
Love to read this Sarah, epazote is one of my favorite herbs, thank you!
Missy
May 02
This was a winner with the whole family!! Husband, 13 year old, 8 year old and 10 month old!! (Mama too!)
WOW! We used a poblano pepper for less heat (as the 8 year old will not tolerate spice) and the baby can’t do onions so I sub celery and garlic as my “fake onion.” It was still SO DELICIOUS! We all love watching your beautiful show! Thank you!!
Pati Jinich
May 04
Very creative subs Missy, glad the whole family enjoyed this soup 😉
Jessica
May 02
Pati, I was watching the episode when you make this recipe and I got inspired to make it. Instead of serrano, I added poblano chile and potatoes. It came out delicious! Thanks!
Pati Jinich
May 04
Bravo Jessica, good additions!
Sara J. Rodriguez
Jan 12
Couldn’t find epazote leaves, so I had to use cilantro. ☹
Haven’t made it yet though… Wish me lol…
I’m sure it will be delicious, as always.
Pati Jinich
Jan 13
Cilantro will be great too….good luck, Sara!
Alex Vega
Sep 13
This soup looked so simple but tasty, I had to try it! I’m a little bit weak when it comes to spice so I used half of 1 Serrano chili, and it still had a kick for me, but it was absolutely delicious, I fought through it, haha! My husband really loves spice though! And the queso fresco is a MUST! Love it!
Thank you so much for this recipe, Pati!
Pati Jinich
Sep 24
So glad you and your husband enjoyed the soup, Alex!
Janet
Sep 05
I made this soup today and thought it was delicious. I did make one change. Whenever I cut corn kernels off the cob, I boil the cobs to make stock. I use this stock in place of water or vegetable broth in soups, particularly in soups with corn. Since I didn’t have enough chicken broth on hand, I used some of the corn stock in my soup. I think it probably enhanced the corn flavor. Of course, I also used fresh corn from a local farm that always has excellent corn so I am sure that also contributed to the flavor of a great recipe.
Pati Jinich
Sep 07
That’s a great addition to use your corn stock, Janet!
Barry Browner
Aug 27
Pati
I made this today… Subtly elegant. I used 1 serrano. Couldn’t find epazote in Chapel Hill… so I added about 1/3t ground coriander. I couldn’t remember yes or no… so I added 3 garlic cloves. My wife thought it could be a bit thicker… so I added corn starch for a little thickening. It all tastes great. Having it tonight with fried catfish.
Miss not seeing your show. PBS in Chapel Hill is not showing you lately. Bummer!
Barry
Pati Jinich
Aug 28
Oh I’ll be back in October, Barry! And I’m so glad you and your wife enjoyed the soup.
Joanie
Aug 25
This is my husband’s (and my) new favorite!
We made this according to the recipe, except we has a 40oz bag of frozen corn so we added another tablespoon of butter and extra epazote. (We were surprised to see beautiful fresh bunches in our local Mexican Grocery store).
We had never heard of epazote and were pleasantly surprised to smell its lemony/minty aroma right off the bat. The flavor is perfect for this soup. ❤️
We were wondering if epazote might be a good substitute for the poor folks that don’t like the flavor of cilantro?
In Pico de Gallo?
Thank you for your show! We love you!
Pati Jinich
Aug 27
Oh I’m so glad you found and enjoyed epazote, Joanie! You can substitute cilantro with any fresh green herb you enjoy, like epazote or Italian flat-leaf parsley, chives, basil, or tarragon.
Catherine Nelson
Aug 24
Have you ever added shrimp or chicken to this? It sounds delicious and I love your show, especially when your boys are on with you!
Pati Jinich
Aug 25
Go for it, Catherine! Shrimp or chicken would be great with this soup.
Missy
Aug 24
I have fresh culantrothat I grow. Can I use that. Or dried epezote i have in a jar.
Pati Jinich
Aug 24
You can use either, Missy. If you use dried epazote, use about 1/3 of the amount.
Bobbi
Aug 22
YUM,YUM!!
Pati Jinich
Aug 23
😄
Sandy
Jul 23
I love your show Pati. I can’t wait to try this soup. It looks so good. I think I’ll use the corn cobs after taking the kernels off to infuse the broth with even more corn flavor.
Pati Jinich
Jul 24
Great idea, Sandy!
Elaine B
Mar 09
A lovely soup for a for a sunny spring day. This was so fun to shop for! My fiancé is from Monterrey and I enjoy when he takes me to the Latin super markets to shop. Super simple to make and packed with all the right indgredienta to warm you up when it’s brisk outside.
Pati Jinich
Mar 18
It sounds like you had so much fun making (and eating 😉) the soup, Elaine!
Cynthia Stevens
Nov 09
iHola Pati! Have you ever tried this recipe with grilled corn?
Pati
Nov 10
Oh that will be delicious, Cynthia!
Hafeezah Majeed
Oct 25
Hi Pati
I watch you and your family on Create TV all the time !! In my head I’m your other sister. I made this soup it was Sooo good . Thank you
Pati
Oct 26
Aww thank you so much, Hafeezah.
Cherie
Jun 30
Hi Pati, I made this tonight for my daughter and I and it was so delicious! I have been in a food rut of the same few recipes and watching your show and seeing your recipes has pulled me out of it! Thank you!
Pati
Jul 02
So happy to help you out of your food rut, Cherie!
Rayna Bolich
Jun 07
Hola Pati, I have been wanting to make this soup ever since I saw it on your show. You made it look so easy and delicious to prepare; it did not disappoint! The sweetness of the corn, the saltiness of the broth, the creaminess of the cheese, and the fresh zing from the cilantro and jalapeño (no time to visit Mexican market for epazote but happy to use cilantro from our yard) – mmm, happy tummies all around the table. Even my son said “Thank you Pati”.
Pati
Jun 08
Awesome! And say hello to your son for me, Rayna.
Colleen
May 18
When I was making this I had thought for sure it would need something and I always end up changing recipe.s I did add two cloves of chopped up garlic and some cumin seeds when you put the corn in. I also use vegetable broth not chicken it was so freaking good I’m gonna be making this for a while now and didn’t need a thing except for those things I added it probably would be good without it but I think I just took it up a little notch
Pati
May 18
I’m so glad you made the recipe your own, Colleen!
Rebecca
Apr 29
So fresh and savory too.Easy to prepare, everyone loved it!
Pati
Apr 30
So happy to hear that, Rebecca!
Ari
Mar 10
Excellent soup! Feliz de comer cositas oaxaqueñas!
Pati
Mar 12
Yay!
Anirudh
Apr 07
Is this soup from Oaxaca?
Pati
Apr 13
Yes! I first tried a version of it in Tlaxiaco, which is in the Mixteca Alta región from Oaxaca.
Krystyna
Jan 20
My Mexican girlfriends (and I) LOVED the soup! We even watched the episode on my DVR while eating. You have 2 new fans.
Pati
Jan 22
Oh thank you Krystyna! (and say thank you to your friend too!)
Martin
Dec 28
Please please please…show us how to make caldo de res. I cannot remember if u put cabbage or calabacita or both and what kind of beef do u use, etc. Also, is it basically the same recipie for caldo de pollo? BTW, the leche quemada ice cream looks very good. My parents love leche quemada and I think the kids will love the ice cream version.
Ur show is the best! Saludos desde Texas!
Pati
Jan 08
Aw, thank you so much! In a way yes, it is similar to a caldo de pollo, but sometimes with a bit more spices or a dried chile or two. Do you want to try mole de olla which is similar? http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/mole-de-olla-2/ Will try to post a traditional caldo de res recipe soon!
Danielle
Dec 24
Can you freeze this soup?
Pati
Jan 08
Absolutely! But don’t freeze it with the cheese…add the cheese fresh when you are ready to serve it.
gloria1949@hotmail.com
Dec 24
What can be substituted for epazote?
Pati
Dec 26
If you can’t find fresh or dried epazote you can use fresh cilantro…it is a different taste but also delicious!
adriana v
Dec 15
my family loved the corn soup
Pati
Dec 15
Yay!