Suam Na Mais the Filipino version of corn soup, made better with fresh corn kernels, thicker broth, healthy veggies and flavorful meat.

This recipe can use either white corn or the yellow corn. The native white variety, however, is preferred because it produces a creamy and sticky consistency ideal for a soup dish. It also gives out a rounded flavor with a hint of sweetness. The only downside: white corn takes longer to cook than the regular fresh yellow type.

The traditional Suam na Mais uses fresh verdant dahon ng sili, but you may also opt to use iron-rich malunggay or ampalaya leaves. Others add talbos ng kamote, baby spinach, and okra to make it a filling meal.

“Cooking Suam na Mais is similar to cooking tinolang manok,” says cooking enthusiast and homemaker Me-anne Aristorenas. “You just sauté everything in ginger, onion and garlic and add the stock, meat and corn. In no time, you will have a rich and creamy dish taken either as a warm soup, or a soup dish with rice on the side.”

For tastier corn soup, substitute water with chicken stock. And, just before serving, top corn soup with toasted garlic.

Suam na Mais

Ingredients:

3 cobs fresh yellow corn or white corn

1 c sili leaves

1 pc onion, sliced

Chicken stock

½ k chicken meat, shredded

1 tsp fish sauce

Ginger, sliced thinly

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp garlic, minced

Oil

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1. GRATE corn kernels straight from the cob. Set aside. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic and ginger. ADD chicken and cook, stirring occasionally.

2. ADD fish sauce. Add corn kernels, stir and simmer for a minute.

3. POUR in chicken stock, simmer until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

4. TURN off heat and add sili leaves. Serve hot.

5. SUAM Na Mais