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Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder

A rich and creamy Corn Chowder that combines sweet fresh corn, tender potatoes, and savory aromatics in a comforting soup perfect for chilly days. This versatile recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients and can be customized with optional add-ins like bacon, smoked paprika, or seafood to suit your taste. Ideal as a cozy starter or satisfying main, it’s family-friendly and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen if unavailable)
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley, chopped
  • Diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper (for spicy twist)
  • Cooked shrimp or crab meat (for seafood variation)
  • 1 cup diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers (extra veggies)
  • Coconut milk (as dairy-free cream substitute)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the onions, mince the garlic, dice the potatoes, and remove kernels from the corn cobs to have everything ready for cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Bacon: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onions and garlic until fragrant and softened. Add chopped bacon if using, and cook until crisp for smoky flavor.
  3. Cook Potatoes and Corn: Add diced potatoes and fresh corn kernels to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking until potatoes are tender.
  4. Blend and Simmer: Use an immersion blender to lightly puree part of the soup, keeping some texture intact. Simmer further to thicken and enhance flavor.
  5. Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in heavy cream or milk along with fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Heat thoroughly without boiling to achieve a creamy chowder consistency.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn when possible to maximize sweetness and texture.
  • Do not over-blend; keep bits of corn and potatoes for a heartier chowder.
  • Adjust thickness using more broth or cream according to desired consistency.
  • Season gradually and taste as you cook to avoid over-salting.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Corn Chowder, Creamy Corn Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Chowder, Gluten Free Soup, Family-Friendly Soup