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Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder

Corn chowder is a warm, creamy, and hearty soup combining sweet corn, potatoes, and savory aromatics. Perfect for any season, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a comforting, velvety texture balanced with rich flavors. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish for cooler nights, this chowder is versatile, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Optional Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for smoky flavor)
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Remove kernels from fresh corn cobs or measure out frozen corn. Finely chop onion and garlic to release their flavors.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Optional Bacon: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. If using bacon, cook it until crisp, then remove and set aside. Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until translucent and fragrant to create a flavorful base.
  3. Add Potatoes, Corn, and Broth: Add diced potatoes and corn kernels to the pot. Pour in broth to cover the ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, allowing flavors to meld.
  4. Blend Some for Creaminess: For a thicker chowder, mash a portion of the soup or puree a ladleful before returning it to the pot. This step can be skipped for a chunkier texture.
  5. Stir in Cream and Season: Lower the heat and gently stir in cream or milk. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Warm through without boiling to keep the chowder silky and well blended.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn in season for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not over boil after adding cream to avoid curdling.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their bright taste.
  • Adjust broth or cream quantities to customize the thickness of your chowder.
  • Save some raw corn kernels to toss on top as a fresh, crunchy garnish.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn chowder, creamy soup, easy chowder, corn soup, comforting soup, gluten free chowder