A Culinary Revelation: Silky Coconut Corn Soup & The Vitamix Bon Appétit Collaboration

Yesterday marked a truly exciting day with the highly anticipated release of the latest Bon Appétit issue, and nestled within its glossy, inspiring pages lies a recipe I am absolutely thrilled to finally share with you. This particular creation is a shining highlight of the fantastic collaboration between Vitamix and Bon Appétit – a partnership dedicated to bringing innovative, delicious, and remarkably easy recipes right into your kitchen. Prepare to be enchanted by a dish that perfectly captures the essence of the season.

Embrace Late-Summer Flavors: The Exquisite Coconut Corn Soup Experience

This exquisite Coconut Corn Soup, beautifully showcased in the September 2014 issue of Bon Appétit, perfectly encapsulates everything late-summer cooking should embody. It’s a vibrant celebration of peak produce, sun-kissed flavors, and the invaluable gift of minimal time spent in the kitchen. Imagine the unparalleled sweetness of freshly picked corn, transformed into a luxuriously smooth and comforting soup that tastes profoundly of the season’s very best. The Vitamix, with its incredible blending power, effortlessly renders this soup silky smooth, preserving and enhancing the distinct sweetness and depth of flavor that only the freshest corn can impart. This glorious base is then exquisitely balanced by the rich, nutty undertones of homemade coconut milk, which, for an extra touch of freshness and simplicity, can also be prepared from scratch right in your high-performance blender.

To elevate this culinary experience even further, the soup is elegantly finished with a lively jalapeño-corn salsa. This bright, zesty topping introduces a delightful warmth from the jalapeño, a burst of fresh flavor, and the satisfying, juicy pop of raw corn kernels. It adds a crucial textural contrast and a vibrant complexity that makes each spoonful a true delight. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients, when handled correctly, can create something truly extraordinary – a dish that’s both comforting and invigorating, perfect for a light lunch, an elegant starter, or even a refreshing dinner on a warm evening. Its ease of preparation means you can spend more time enjoying the beautiful late-summer days and less time toiling over a hot stove.

The Powerhouse Behind the Perfection: Vitamix Professional Series 750

The true magic behind the silken texture and effortless preparation of this magnificent soup lies, without a doubt, in the Vitamix Professional Series 750. This isn’t merely a blender; it’s a culinary powerhouse with genuine “hot-soup superpowers.” (Perhaps even souperpowers, as we like to call them, given its incredible capabilities!) The Vitamix isn’t just about blending; it’s about transforming ingredients with precision and speed. Its precision-engineered blades generate enough friction to heat ingredients from cold to steaming hot in a matter of minutes, allowing you to create velvety smooth soups, sauces, and purees directly in the container without the need for additional pots or pans.

This incredible capability drastically reduces your cooking time and simplifies cleanup, making gourmet-quality meals accessible to everyone, regardless of their culinary expertise. The Vitamix ensures a perfectly consistent texture every time, unlocking flavors that might otherwise remain dormant. Beyond the stunning ease of making hot soup, consider the myriad other possibilities a Vitamix unlocks: from nutrient-packed smoothies and fresh fruit juices to homemade nut milks (like the fresh coconut milk used here), creamy dips, flavorful dressings, nut butters, flours, and even frozen desserts like sorbet. It’s a versatile, indispensable tool that truly revolutionizes your kitchen, making healthy and delicious eating an effortless part of your daily routine. It’s no wonder many refer to it as the “Rolls Royce of blenders.” In fact, I’d confidently argue that a Rolls Royce is actually the Vitamix of cars – a benchmark for unparalleled quality, performance, and luxurious efficiency, setting the standard that others aspire to meet.

Your Exclusive Chance to Win: A Vitamix Giveaway!

And speaking of this incredible, game-changing appliance, I am absolutely thrilled to announce that another Vitamix Professional Series 750 is up for grabs! If you happened to miss out on the August draw, or if you’re just discovering this amazing opportunity, now is your prime chance to win yourself the ultimate kitchen companion. I recently took a glimpse at the entries for the August draw (which is now officially closed), and to my genuine surprise, there weren’t as many as one might expect for such an incredible prize.

With well over 1.5 million copies of Bon Appétit circulating, I strongly suspect that many people fall into the trap of thinking everyone else has already entered, believing their own chances are slim. This is precisely where you can outsmart the masses, people! Don’t let that common misconception deter you. Your odds are likely far better than you imagine, making this an opportunity you absolutely shouldn’t let slip away. Seize this moment to win yourself the Rolls Royce of blenders – an appliance that will undoubtedly revolutionize the way you cook, eat, and entertain. Imagine the countless healthy, delicious meals you’ll be able to create with such a powerful and versatile tool at your fingertips. This is more than just a blender; it’s an investment in your culinary future.

How to Enter the Vitamix Sweepstakes: Simple & Fun!

Participating in this exciting sweepstakes couldn’t be simpler, and here’s the best part: your photograph will absolutely not be judged on its artistic beauty, nor will its subject be judged on how inventive or exquisitely delicious your creation was. This is a purely random draw from all eligible entries, making it genuinely anyone’s game! So, banish any self-doubt and get ready to participate; you truly have nothing to lose and a fantastic Vitamix to gain!

To enter, simply take a photo of something you’ve created that is *inspired* by this Coconut Corn Soup recipe. This inspiration can take many forms: perhaps you’ve made your own version of the soup, a unique side dish featuring fresh corn and coconut, a creative garnish that complements the flavors, or even a beautiful plating that captures the essence of late-summer freshness and vibrant ingredients. Once you have your photo ready, post it to Instagram, making sure to include the official hashtag #VitamixSweepstakes in your caption. The deadline for entries is September 23rd, 2014, so get creative, get cooking, and get posting! After sharing your culinary inspiration, all that’s left to do is cross your fingers for good luck!

For complete transparency and to ensure all your questions regarding eligibility and terms are answered, the full official rules for the sweepstakes can be found here. Please take a moment to review them thoroughly before entering. I am genuinely excited and can’t wait to see all of your creative and inspiring submissions from kitchens far and wide!

The Recipe: Silky Coconut Corn Soup with Zesty Jalapeño Salsa

Now, let’s get down to the heart of the matter – the recipe itself. Prepare to delight your taste buds with this vibrant, incredibly easy-to-make, and deeply satisfying soup. Crafted for efficiency and maximum flavor, here’s everything you’ll need to create this late-summer masterpiece in your own kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the complexity of the taste, making it a truly rewarding culinary endeavor.

Ingredients List

For the Zesty Jalapeño Salsa:

• 1 cup fresh corn kernels, ideally sweet and tender from the cob, or high-quality thawed from frozen for convenience and year-round enjoyment.
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice, freshly squeezed for the brightest, most invigorating flavor.
• 1 cup coarsely chopped red onion, adding a subtle, crisp bite and beautiful visual appeal.
• 1 medium jalapeño pepper, coarsely chopped (for less heat, carefully remove the seeds and ribs; for more kick, leave some or all of them in).
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, firmly packed, for a burst of herbaceous freshness that brightens the whole dish.
• Salt, to taste, essential for enhancing and balancing all the vibrant flavors.

For the Creamy Coconut Corn Soup:

• 2 Tbsp. high-quality olive oil, perfect for sautéing and building a flavorful base.
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped, forming the aromatic foundation of the soup.
• 1 medium stalk celery, coarsely chopped, adding a delicate layer of freshness and depth.
• 2 large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped, for an unmistakable aromatic richness.
• 4 cups fresh corn kernels, again, fresh from the cob is highly recommended when in season, or excellent quality thawed frozen corn.
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, choose a good quality, low-sodium option to control the overall saltiness.
• 1 cup water, to achieve the perfect, velvety consistency without diluting the flavor.
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened coconut ribbons or flakes, for a rich, authentic coconut flavor (consider making fresh coconut milk in your Vitamix for unparalleled taste!).
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, for luxurious richness, a smooth mouthfeel, and a hint of indulgence.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, for seasoning perfection and a balanced flavor profile.
• Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling as a final elegant garnish, enhancing both flavor and presentation).
• ¼ cup toasted unsweetened coconut ribbons (for topping, optional, but highly recommended for an added layer of texture and delightful coconut aroma).

Preparation Instructions

Get ready to transform these fresh, wholesome ingredients into a sensational meal with remarkable ease, thanks to the efficiency of your kitchen tools, especially the Vitamix. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding culinary experience.

For the Vibrant Jalapeño Salsa:

1. In a small saucepan, cover your fresh corn kernels with cold, lightly salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook the corn until it is just tender, which should take approximately 3 minutes. The goal is to lightly cook, not overcook, to preserve its natural sweetness and slight crunch. Immediately drain the corn thoroughly and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Carefully place the fresh lime juice, coarsely chopped red onion, jalapeño (with or without seeds, depending on your preferred heat level), the cooled corn kernels, and the fresh cilantro into your Vitamix container, ensuring they are added in the order listed. Secure the lid firmly. Select variable speed 6 and pulse the machine several times until the ingredients are finely chopped but still retain some texture – you’re aiming for a rustic, vibrant salsa, not a smooth paste. Use the tamper as necessary to push the ingredients down toward the blades between pulses, ensuring everything is evenly processed. Scrape the vibrant salsa into a clean bowl, season it generously to taste with salt, and set it aside. This salsa can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for maximum convenience.

For the Silky Coconut Corn Soup:

1. Using the same saucepan you used for cooking the corn (to minimize cleanup!), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped onion and celery. Sauté them gently until they become slightly translucent and softened, which should take about 5 minutes. It’s important not to let them brown, as this can affect the color and flavor of the finished soup; reduce the heat if necessary. After 5 minutes, add the coarsely chopped garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant, being extremely careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.

2. Carefully transfer this aromatic onion mixture from the saucepan to your Vitamix container. Add the 4 cups of fresh corn kernels, the chicken or vegetable broth, water, the 1 ½ cups of unsweetened coconut ribbons or flakes, and the butter. Secure the lid firmly on the container. Now, select the Vitamix’s dedicated Hot Soup program (if your model has this fantastic feature). Switch the machine to start and allow the machine to complete its programmed cycle. This incredible feature will not only blend your soup to a perfect silky consistency but also heat it to serving temperature through the friction of the blades. Once the cycle is complete, carefully open the lid and season the soup generously to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting as needed for a perfect balance of flavors.

3. To serve this delightful creation, ladle the steaming hot, velvety smooth Coconut Corn Soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with a generous spoonful of your freshly prepared jalapeño salsa, a delicate drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for added richness and aroma, and a light sprinkling of toasted coconut ribbons, if desired, for an added layer of texture and a delicate coconut aroma. For those who enjoy an extra kick of spice or more vibrant flavor, place the remaining salsa on the table, allowing individuals to add more to their soup as they wish. Enjoy this delightful taste of late summer – a perfect blend of comfort, freshness, and culinary innovation!