Creamy Red Pepper, Corn, and Leek Soup Delight
Indulge in this exquisite Creamy Red Pepper, Corn, and Leek Soup Delight, a perfect amalgamation of sweet corn, vibrant red bell peppers, and fragrant leeks. This soup is creamy yet light, making it ideal for a cozy meal any day of the week. Inspired by classic flavors, it’s finished with a touch of half-and-half to create a smooth texture. Serve it warm with tortillas for a delightful dip. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting solo bowl, this recipe will soon become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet corn
5 ears (kernels removed)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
vegetable oil or olive oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
leeks
3 (cleaned and chopped)
red bell pepper
1 large (seeded and chopped)
chicken stock or vegetable stock
1.5 quarts (for soup base)
half-and-half
1/2 cup (for creaminess)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
white pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
to taste (for a bit of heat)
corn tortillas
6 (optional, for serving)
butter (softened)
6 teaspoons (optional, for buttering tortillas)
Instructions
1
Start by carefully removing the corn kernels from the ears of sweet corn using a sharp knife, making sure to reserve approximately 1/4 cup of those kernels for garnishing later.
2
In a large saucepan, melt the butter together with the vegetable or olive oil over medium heat, ensuring the butter doesn’t brown.
3
Add the chopped leeks to the saucepan and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
4
Next, incorporate the chopped red bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
5
Stir in the corn kernels and sauté for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the corn to release its natural sweetness.
6
Pour in the chicken stock (or vegetable stock) and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
After simmering, carefully pour the mixture into a food processor or blender. Blend on low speed for about 1 minute until smooth. For a coarser texture, you can skip the blending step.
8
Pass the blended mixture through a fine sieve back into the saucepan to ensure a velvety soup, discarding any solids.
9
Add the half-and-half, salt, white pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat, stirring to combine.
10
Reheat the soup gently on low heat without boiling.
11
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the reserved corn kernels for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
12
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and generously garnish with the boiled corn kernels on top.
13
Optionally, warm the corn tortillas in a microwave or oven, spread softened butter on them, and serve alongside the soup for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this soup?
The soup is an exquisite amalgamation of sweet corn, vibrant red bell peppers, and fragrant leeks.
How many ears of sweet corn are required?
The recipe calls for 5 ears of sweet corn with the kernels removed.
How much corn should I reserve for the garnish?
You should reserve approximately 1/4 cup of the corn kernels for garnishing the finished soup.
What types of oil can be used for sautéing?
You can use either vegetable oil or olive oil.
How many leeks are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 leeks that have been cleaned and chopped.
How long should the leeks be sautéed?
Sauté the leeks for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
When should the red bell pepper be added?
Add the chopped red bell pepper after the leeks have sautéed for 5 minutes.
How long do the red peppers need to cook?
Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
Why is the corn sautéed before adding the stock?
The corn is sautéed for 3 minutes to allow it to release its natural sweetness.
What kind of stock is recommended?
You can use 1.5 quarts of either chicken stock or vegetable stock.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions specify to let it simmer uncovered.
How should I blend the soup?
Carefully pour the mixture into a food processor or blender and blend on low speed for about 1 minute until smooth.
Can I make the soup with a coarser texture?
Yes, you can skip the blending step if you prefer a coarser texture.
Why is the mixture passed through a fine sieve?
Passing the blended mixture through a sieve ensures a velvety texture by removing any remaining solids.
What ingredient provides the creamy texture?
1/2 cup of half-and-half is added to create a smooth and creamy texture.
What seasonings are used in this soup?
The soup is seasoned with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How much white pepper is required?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
How do I add heat to the recipe?
A pinch of cayenne pepper is added to taste for a hint of heat.
Is it okay to boil the soup after adding the dairy?
No, you should reheat the soup gently on low heat without letting it reach a boil.
How do I prepare the corn garnish?
Bring water to a boil in a separate pot, cook the reserved kernels for 2 minutes, then drain.
How many corn tortillas are suggested for serving?
The recipe suggests serving with 6 optional corn tortillas.
How should the tortillas be prepared?
Warm them in a microwave or oven and spread them with softened butter.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it can be made vegetarian by using vegetable stock.
How much butter is used for the soup base?
2 tablespoons of butter are melted with the oil at the start.
How much butter is used for the tortillas?
6 teaspoons of softened butter are recommended for the optional tortillas.
What size red bell pepper is needed?
One large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped, is required.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
The soup is intended to be served warm.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the optional serving suggestions.
Can this soup be served at gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for gatherings or as a comforting solo bowl.