Creamy Corn Soup (Minus the Cream)
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
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Makes: 8 cups
 
I know that people have a lot of fancy ways to cut corn off the cob (a Bundt pan for one), but I really think the easiest thing is to place an ear flat down on the board, and to cut the cobs off horizontally, rather than vertically. Yes, a couple pieces of corn end up on the floor, but really, when you're cutting corn, you'll always end up with some on the floor.

This makes a lot of corn stock and you only need 5-6 cups for the soup. Let the stock cool down and store in freezer safe bags, in the freezer. Use it for chowders, risottos, other soups or even, to cook grains.

I was able to fit the entirety of this soup in my Vitamix and blend in one shot, but it was probably a bit riskier than it should have been. I was right at that fill line. Also: remember that whenever you're blending hot liquids, you should let them cool slightly, do not fill too high, and make sure to hold the lid down forcefully with a dishtowel to prevent the pressure from the hot liquid pushing the lid off, burning you and making a mess of your kitchen.
What you'll need
  • 10 ears corn (about 4 pounds)
  • 1 large white onion, peeled
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • cracked black pepper
  • Toppings Toasted Slivered Almonds, Crumbled Feta Cheese, Aleppo Pepper Flakes and Sliced Scallions. Recommendation: reduce or eliminate the scallions if serving the soup cold.
How you'll make it
  1. On large cutting board, using a sharp knife, cut kernels from the cob. Place cobs in a large sauce pot as you go; transfer kernels to a bowl.
  2. Cover cobs with 2 inches cold water. Place saucepot over high heat; cover and bring to a boil. When the water comes to a boil, uncover and reduce heat to medium-low. The mixture should be at a simmer (you want to see small bubbles popping on the surfaces). Let simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes-1 hour, depending on how much time you have. Using a strainer or tongs, carefully remove the cobs or strain the soup. Discard cobs.
  3. Meanwhile, chop onion and garlic (keep the two separate). In 8 quart sauce pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a couple grinds of black pepper. Cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are completely tender and translucent, but not browned. Add corn kernels, garlic and remaining salt; stir to combine and cook 3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. When the stock is ready, add 5-6 cups to the pot with the corn (the corn should be covered by about ½-inch to 1-inch of stock, but no more). Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 20-30 minutes or until the corn is tender, but not mushy.
  5. Turn off the heat; to blend with an immersion blender, go for it right in the pot. In a blender or high-powered blender, transfer mixture in batches, blending for at least 3 minutes, or until as creamy as possible. (See note, above.) If using a regular blender, you can strain the soup, if desired, but it will be a lot thinner. Repeat blending with remaining soup.
  6. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt or pepper, if necessary. Enjoy hot, or cool completely transfer to the fridge and chill at least 2 hours, to serve cold. Top with toasted slivered almonds, crumbled feta, Aleppo pepper flakes and scallions.
How to plan ahead
• The corn can be cut off the cobs one day ahead of time. Store both the kernels and the cobs covered in the fridge.
• The stock can be made several days ahead of time and stored in the fridge, or up to three months ahead of time and stored in the freezer.
• The soup can be made ahead of time, cooled completely and chilled for up to four days.
Recipe by at https://www.lifeaswecookit.com/creamy-corn-soup-minus-the-cream/