Zucchini Corn Fiesta Soup

A vibrant and flavorful fusion of zucchini and corn, making it the ultimate summer soup. Loaded with spices and topped with crispy tortilla strips, this soup is a party in a bowl!
ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for added heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 2 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
- Cooking spray
steps
- 1.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the corn tortilla strips in a single layer. Lightly spray them with cooking spray and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy. Set aside.
- 2.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeno pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- 3.
Add the diced zucchini, corn kernels, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- 4.
Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the vegetables. Stir well to coat evenly.
- 5.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 6.
Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly and blend in batches. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
- 7.
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- 8.
Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with crispy tortilla strips and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of zesty flavor.