Corn Soup is as close to a staple as gumbo down here in South Louisiana.
Corn soup has its roots in the American Indian culture since in the
1700's corn was a primary food. Cajuns naturally liked it and adopted it
readily. The following is my wife's Corn Soup recipe since this is one
of those dishes I don't think I could make any better.. I just eat it!
This is a big recipe, it can be reduced.
1 - cup cubed salt meat
3 - tbs. cooking oil
3 - 2 lb. bags of whole kernel frozen corn
2 - onions chopped
1 - bell pepper chopped
3 - stalks celery chopped
1 - can Rotel tomatoes
1 - can Stewed tomatoes
1 - tsp. garlic powder or three fresh chopped cloves
1/4 - tsp. sugar
12 - 1/2 ears corn
1 - can creamed corn
2 - chicken bullion cubes dissolved in a few cups of water.
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large pot lightly brown salt meat in cooking oil and remove.
Add whole kernel corn and smother on a med-low fire stirring every 5
minutes or so.
In another pot add a little cooking oil, onion, celery and bell pepper.
Sauté until soft. Add canned tomatoes and garlic and continue cooking
until the water evaporates and it begins to stick.
Continue to cook corn for about 2 hours or until it starts to stick to
the bottom. If you reduce the recipe this won't take as long.
Once the corn is smothered add the tomato stuff and stir well. Add
creamed corn and whole ears of corn. Add chicken bullion liquid, sugar
and enough water to cover the corn. Bring to a boil and keep boiling
long enough to cook the ears of corn. Lower fire to a simmer and taste.
Add seasonings as needed. Turn fire off and let sit for about a half
hour for flavors to marry. Taste again and re-season if needed.
C'est Bon!