Sweet Corn Soup
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Author Notes: For years I've been a fan of the ethereally light and sweet corn soups we've found at some of our favorite restaurants, you know the kind, pale yellow and silky smooth, but light and fresh, not heavy, weighed down with cream. This is my take on it. - Oui, Chef
Serves 8
- 12 ears of sweet corn on the cob
- 1 small fennel bulb, fronds removed and reserved, bulb washed, cored and roughly chopped
- 2 small leeks, pale green and white parts only, washed and sliced
- 4 large shallots, peeled and sliced
- 1 sweet onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and split
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
- 8 sprigs fresh parsley, divided
- 8 sprigs fresh oregano, divided
- 6 sprigs fresh lemon thyme, divided
- 4 sprigs fresh tarragon, divided
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed
- 2 teaspoons coriander seed
- 2 sticks of butter
- 1 bunch chives
- kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
- For the Corn Stock: Cut the kernels from the corn cobs and place them in a bowl for later use. Using the back of your knife, scrape all the pulp and milk remaining on the cobs into the bowl with the kernels. Cut the cobs into 2-3 pieces and toss them into a medium sized stock pot. To the stock pot, add the onion, leeks, shallots, garlic, chopped fennel bulb, coriander, fennel seed, and half of each of the herb sprigs. Cover the stock pot ingredients with water, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer the stock for about 45 minutes. Strain the stock, keeping the liquid and discarding the solids.
- Measure out 8 cups of the corn stock and add it to a large saucepan with the reserved corn kernels, the balance of the herb sprigs (tied into a bundle), and 1 stick of the butter (keep any extra stock on hand in case you want to thin your soup a bit later). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer the soup for 30 minutes.
- Remove the herb bundle, then puree the soup in a blender in batches, adding the remaining stick of butter in pieces, a little with each batch. Puree on high for at least 2-3 minutes per batch to make sure the kernels are well pulverized and the butter is fully emulsified with the soup.
- Return each batch to a clean saucepan, pouring through a fine mesh strainer in the process. Season to taste with salt and pepper, adding back more of the reserved stock if the soup is too thick for your liking. If your soup still doesn't look completely emulsified and smooth after its time in the blender, hit it here with a stick blender to finish the job. Serve sprinkled with chopped chives and a touch of reserved fennel frond.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Corn off the Cob
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over 1 year ago JayKayTee
Mmmmm, you had me until the butter, sometimes it's hard to be vegan. I may just try this without the butter.
almost 2 years ago aargersi
Abbie is a trusted source on General Cooking.
This is a must-make for sure - sounds summer-perfect
almost 2 years ago Oui, Chef
Thanks, aargersi. Let me know if you do make it, I'd love to hear your thoughts. - S
almost 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
Love the fennel with the corn. Gorgeous recipe.
almost 2 years ago Oui, Chef
It's a favorite combination of mine, thanks HLA.
almost 2 years ago Lizthechef
Tried this for supper - on that sweet corn theme - delicious...I trimmed a few corners but basically stayed true to your recipe, Steve. Fabulous-o...
almost 2 years ago Oui, Chef
Awesome, Liz...thanks for letting me know and glad you enjoyed it.
almost 2 years ago EmilyC
Wow -- it even looks ethereally light from your picture! Lovely recipe.
almost 2 years ago Oui, Chef
Thanks, EmilyC. Having more of it for lunch today, I can't wait!
almost 2 years ago Lizthechef
Lovely fresh recipe, Steve - all those wonderful summer herbs...And corn stock, something I have never tried - but will!