Savory South African Corn Mealie Soup
This hearty and rich Savory South African Corn Mealie Soup is a warm embrace in a bowl, combining the sweetness of fresh corn and the savory depth of sautéed onions and tomatoes. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup embodies the comforting flavors of South African cuisine. Made with a blend of frozen corn, creamed corn, and a splash of evaporated milk, it creates a luscious, creamy texture that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Share this delightful soup with friends and family – it's sure to become a beloved staple at your dinner table!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
tomatoes
2 medium (chopped)
frozen corn
2 cups (thawed)
creamed corn
2 (14 ounce) cans (none)
fat-free evaporated milk
1 (12 ounce) can (none)
chicken broth
3 cups (none)
salt
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over moderate heat until bubbling.
2
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Add the thawed frozen corn, creamed corn, fat-free evaporated milk, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
5
Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, use an immersion blender to puree the soup for a smoother texture.
7
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, accompanied by crispy crackers for a delightful crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South African Mealie Soup?
Savory South African Corn Mealie Soup is a hearty and creamy dish that combines fresh corn, sautéed onions, and tomatoes, embodying the comforting flavors of South African cuisine.
What does the word Mealie mean?
Mealie is the traditional Southern African term for maize or corn, which is the primary ingredient in this soup.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
Is this corn soup vegetarian?
The recipe as written uses chicken broth, but it can easily be made vegetarian by substituting it with an equal amount of vegetable broth.
How long does it take to cook this soup?
The soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 25 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 35 minutes.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute 2 cups of fresh corn kernels for the frozen corn called for in the recipe.
What type of milk is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one 12-ounce can of fat-free evaporated milk for a creamy texture without the extra fat.
Can I make this soup smoother?
Yes, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup after it has finished simmering.
What should I serve with Mealie soup?
This soup is traditionally served hot and pairs perfectly with crispy crackers or a side of crusty bread for added crunch.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 medium fresh tomatoes with one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, drained.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Absolutely, this is an easy recipe that involves basic sautéing and simmering techniques, making it perfect for novice cooks.
What is the main flavor profile?
The soup has a savory depth from the onions and tomatoes balanced by the natural sweetness of the creamed and frozen corn.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
While evaporated milk provides a richer consistency, you can use whole milk or half-and-half, though the texture may be slightly thinner.
Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
To make it vegan, use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.
What kind of onions should I use?
Yellow or white onions are recommended as they provide a mild, sweet flavor when sautéed.
How do I prevent the soup from curdling?
Simmer the soup on low heat and avoid a rapid rolling boil once the evaporated milk has been added.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes, cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or crispy bacon bits make excellent additions to this corn soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your broth and canned corn to ensure no gluten additives are present.
How much salt is required?
The recipe suggests 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt, but you should always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup is thicker than you like, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a 1:1 substitute for butter to sauté the onions.
Are there any suggested herb additions?
Fresh thyme, parsley, or chives added at the end of cooking can enhance the savory profile of the soup.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well. Simply double all ingredients and use a larger stockpot for cooking.
What is creamed corn?
Creamed corn is a version of corn where some of the kernels are mashed to release their natural milky juices, creating a thick, soupy texture.
How can I make the soup spicy?
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or finely chopped green chilies during the sautéing stage for a spicy kick.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes, the naturally sweet flavor of corn makes this a very popular choice for children.
What is the calorie count for this soup?
The specific nutritional information is not provided, but using fat-free milk and broth keeps it lighter than traditional cream-based soups.