
There can be no one who hates a pleasant, warm, bright sunny day. Not hot, just perfectly warm. Even if you were a rainy day and hot chocolate person, you cannot deny the joy of sunshine.
That is what it feels like while eating this gorgeous Molten Sunshine soup. Because this isn’t just your average, every day corn soup. It’s corn soup enhanced with the brilliance of orange bell peppers and the elegant extravagance of saffron.

What’s special about Saffron
Saffron is the world’s costliest spice, and rightly so. Each strand is the stamen of the crocus flower, which yields 4 flowers per plant, and 3 strands of saffron per flower. Due to the delicate nature of it’s source and structure, each strand needs to be hand picked with the utmost care and love. But it all stands to be worth the effort as these fibers are inherently imbibed with a unique brilliance of flavor and color. When you steep the strands (a tiny pinch goes a long way) into warm liquid, you can see the color diffuse into the fluid, beautifully dispersing itself and releasing an intense, earthy aroma.
But flavor and color aren’t the only things saffron offers – it has been used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine to cure colds, increase energy, improve immunity, as an antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent . It’s also said to improve complexion, remedy delayed puberty, improve libido and so much more!
They say that one can never have too much of a good thing. But saffron must be a clear exception. Too much saffron in a dish can overpower all the other ingredients, resulting in a bitter, almost medicine like taste. And yes, consuming more than 2 tbsp of saffron could poison you, although there are no reported cases. But hey, it’s possible!
Sunshine Soup
This Molten Sunshine soup really does feel like ingesting sunshine, if something like that can ever be accomplished or imagined. There is an ever-so-light heat from the bell peppers accompanied by the sweet creaminess of the corn and milk. The vegetable broth lends a soft undertone of flavor that does not take focus from the main ingredients.
Finally, the saffron imparts its signature color and flavor to this dish, making it truly worth splurging in for special occasions. But don’t worry, even without the saffron, this soup is delightful to enjoy on seemingly unexceptional days that do not warrant the extravagance of the world’s costliest spice.
When you make these (which I really think you SHOULD!), be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with me through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’d love to see what you cook from here!
Jessica @Savory Experiments says
This is just beautiful! I want a bowl right now!
Tina Dawson says
Thanks so much Jessica! You should make yourself this soup!
Platter Talk says
Love this recipe and the saffron sunshine atop!
Tina Dawson says
Thanks Dan!
Luci's Morsels says
What a fun recipe and this looks beautiful! This would be perfect for date night at home. Thank you for sharing! Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Tina Dawson says
I hope you like it, Luci!
Deanna says
I really like this!! I cant wait to make it so can taste it!!
Tina Dawson says
I hope you like it, Deanna!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
This is beautiful! I love corn and pepper soups like this. That extra touch of saffron is so lovely too!
Tina Dawson says
It’s my favorite soup! I hope you like it too!
Veronica Tegen says
This is the best recipe title ever. I was just stopping by from pinterest on a late night browsing session… and couldn’t help but smile at the bowl of molten sunshine. I hope this comment makes you smile too… spread the love right?
Tina Dawson says
OMG I could hug you! I thought I was the only one flipping about the name! This is one of my favorite soups ever, and your comment just made my day!!
Quinn Caudill says
Oh my I have never heard of this soup but it sounds delicious.
Tina Dawson says
You should try it, it’s amazing!