Skinny Creamy Corn Soup with Queso Fresco and Cilantro

By CarolineNGa

Inspired from a Colombian soup called Crema De Mazorca from the Andean region of Colombia, this soup is sweet and creamy, made with fresh summer corn. I didn't use any cream, instead it's simmered in low fat milk and thickened with a potato, once pureed it's thick and velvety. Then I finished it with some crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro with gives it that sweet-savory finish that we love in my home!

If you can't find queso fresco in your area, try another salty cheese like cotija, ricotta salata or a mild feta. Sure, you could probably make this from frozen corn, but I don't think it would taste nearly as good so for best results, make this with fresh corn while it's in season. This is a great meatless soup, perfect for vegetarians and it also happens to be gluten free!


Servings: 6 • Size: about 1 1/4 cups • Old Points: 5 pts • Weight Watcher Points+: 7 pt
Calories: 257 • Fat: 8 g • Carb: 36 g • Fiber: 3 g • Protein: 14 g • Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 474 mg • Cholest: 22 mg

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/3 cup chopped scallions
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 3 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels, cut from the cob (from 5-6 medium)
• 1 (6 oz) russet potato, peeled and diced
• 5 cups 1% milk
• 1 chicken bouillon cube (or Vegetable Better than Bouillon)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided
• 1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
• salt and fresh pepper, to taste
• 3 oz (6 tbsp) crumbled queso fresco (or cotija cheese)

Details

Adapted from skinnytaste.com

Preparation

Step 1

Heat a medium heavy pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add oil and sauté scallions and garlic for 1 minute. Add the corn, potatoes, milk, bouillon, and 1 tablespoon of cilantro in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for approximately 30 to 35 minutes or until the corn is tender, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and reserve 6 tablespoons of the corn kernels for topping. Add sour cream to the soup and purée in the blender in two batches, careful not to burn yourself; return to the pot.

Adjust salt and pepper, to taste and heat over low heat 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour into 6 bowls and garnish each bowl with 1 tablespoon each of corn kernels and cheese. Top with fresh cilantro.

Makes 7 1/2 cups.