Summer Sweet Corn Gazpacho (Print Version)
A refreshing chilled corn gazpacho with fresh vegetables, basil, and a bright citrus finish. Perfect for summer.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 3 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (about 4 ears; divided)
02 - 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
04 - 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
05 - 2 scallions, trimmed and sliced
→ Aromatics & Herbs
06 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
07 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
→ Liquids & Seasonings
08 - 1 1/2 cups cold vegetable broth
09 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - Juice of 1 lime
11 - 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnishes
14 - Reserved corn kernels
15 - Chopped fresh basil or chives
16 - Drizzle of olive oil
# How-To Steps:
01 - Measure and set aside 1/2 cup of corn kernels to use as garnish later.
02 - In a blender, combine the remaining corn kernels, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, tomatoes, scallions, garlic, basil, vegetable broth, olive oil, lime juice, and vinegar. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
03 - Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as desired.
04 - For an extra-silky consistency, pass the soup through a fine mesh sieve. Skip this step if you prefer a rustic, chunky texture.
05 - Transfer the soup to a large bowl or pitcher, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill thoroughly and allow the flavors to meld.
06 - Ladle the chilled gazpacho into individual bowls. Top with the reserved corn kernels, a scattering of chopped basil or chives, and a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sweetness of raw corn blended with lime and sherry vinegar creates a flavor that tastes like summer in a bowl, and you will be genuinely surprised it took almost zero effort.
- It requires no cooking beyond a quick five minute stovetop moment if you choose to char the kernels, making your kitchen stay cool when you need it most.
02 -
- If you skip the chilling step and serve it right away, the flavors will taste flat and disjointed no matter how well you seasoned it.
- Raw garlic strengthens as it sits, so if you are making this a day ahead, start with half a clove and taste before serving again.
03 -
- Toast a few of the reserved corn kernels in a dry skillet until they get slightly charred and smoky before garnishing for an entirely new layer of flavor.
- If your tomatoes are less than perfect, add a half teaspoon of sugar to the blender to compensate and bring back the natural balance.