Ditch the traditional tomato and embrace the sweetness of the season! This Sweet Corn Gazpacho is a vibrant, no-cook soup that captures the essence of late summer in a refreshing, creamy, and subtly savory bowl. Unlike its Spanish cousin, this recipe highlights the natural sugars of fresh corn, balanced by a hint of lime and a touch of fiery jalapeño.
It’s a perfect starter for a warm evening, requiring nothing more than a blender and a chilling period.
📝 Ingredients List: Sunshine in a Bowl
The key to this gazpacho is using fresh or high-quality frozen sweet corn to ensure maximum natural sweetness.
For the Gazpacho Base:
- Sweet Corn Kernels: 4 cups (about 6-8 ears of corn, or high-quality frozen/thawed).
- Vegetable Broth: 1 cup (low sodium, adjusted for desired thickness).
- Bell Pepper: 1 small yellow or orange bell pepper, roughly chopped.
- Red Onion: $1/4$ cup finely chopped (use sparingly for flavor, not heat).
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed (crucial for brightness).
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for richness).
- Jalapeño: $1/2$ small jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped (adjust to spice preference).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
For the Garnish (Optional but Recommended):
- Avocado: $1/2$ avocado, diced small.
- Cherry Tomatoes: $1/2$ cup cherry tomatoes, halved.
- Fresh Cilantro: 2 tablespoons, chopped.
- A drizzle of good quality olive oil.
🕒 Timing: No Cooking Required
The only “cooking” required is the time spent blending and chilling!
| Phase | Time Estimate | Notes |
| Preparation & Chopping | 15 minutes | Cutting corn off the cob, dicing vegetables. |
| Blending | 5 minutes | Blend in batches for the smoothest result. |
| Chilling Time | 2 hours (Minimum) | Essential for the flavors to meld and for serving cold. |
| Total Active Time | 20 minutes | Extremely fast prep. |
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Corn
If using fresh corn, carefully cut the kernels from the cobs. You should aim for about 4 cups. If using frozen, ensure the corn is fully thawed.
2. Blend the Base
In a high-powered blender, combine 3 cups of the corn kernels (reserve the remaining 1 cup for texture), the vegetable broth, chopped bell pepper, red onion, lime juice, olive oil, and seeded jalapeño.
- Tip: Blend in batches if necessary, especially if you want an ultra-smooth consistency.
3. Achieve the Smoothness
Blend the mixture on high until it is completely smooth and creamy. This may take 2-3 minutes. If the mixture is too thick for your liking, add the remaining vegetable broth one tablespoon at a time.
4. The Final Corn Fold
Pour the blended gazpacho into a large bowl. Stir in the reserved 1 cup of whole corn kernels. This step is crucial for adding textural contrast to the smooth base. Taste the gazpacho and adjust the salt, pepper, and lime juice as needed.
5. Chill Thoroughly
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the gazpacho for a minimum of 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Chilling allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, enhancing the sweetness and spice.
6. Garnish and Serve
Ladle the chilled soup into small bowls or glasses. Garnish each serving with diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Finish with a final drizzle of olive oil.
💡 Expert Tips & Variations
- For Extra Creaminess: If you want a richer, thicker gazpacho, replace $1/2$ cup of the vegetable broth with $1/2$ cup of full-fat coconut milk or Greek yogurt.
- Smoky Twist: Add a few drops of smoked paprika to the blender for a subtle, smoky depth that complements the corn’s sweetness.
- Charred Corn Option: For an intensely flavored gazpacho, quickly char the corn kernels in a hot skillet for 5 minutes before blending. This caramelizes the sugars and adds a smoky-sweet dimension.
❓ FAQs
Q: How do I make this gazpacho spicier?
A: To increase the heat, use the entire jalapeño (including the seeds, where most of the heat resides) or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the blender. You can also garnish the final dish with a few drops of hot sauce.
Q: How long does this gazpacho last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the Sweet Corn Gazpacho will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the vibrant yellow color may start to dull slightly after the second day.
Q: Why do I need to reserve some corn kernels?
A: Reserving some whole kernels is a culinary technique used to add texture. The soup base is smooth, and the whole kernels provide a necessary “bite” or chewiness, making the soup more satisfying and complex than a plain purée.
Leave a Reply