Authentic Makai Shorba (Indian Corn Soup)

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Indian corn soup with aromatic spices, fresh corn, and a touch of cream—perfect for warming cold days. This indian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (from 4 ears) Fresh corn kernels, medium, finely diced Onion, medium, finely diced Tomato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely diced, and cook for 5 minutes until golden and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium tomato, finely diced, 1 inch ginger, grated, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. Cook for 2 minutes until tomato breaks down and releases oil.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp turmeric, and 1/2 tsp coriander powder. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups fresh corn kernels, 4 cups vegetable broth, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup cream and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Makai Shorba (Indian Corn Soup) take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Makai Shorba (Indian Corn Soup)?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, finely diced onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Makai Shorba (Indian Corn Soup)?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Makai Shorba (Indian Corn Soup) for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Makai Shorba (Indian Corn Soup) vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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