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Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder

This rich and creamy Corn Chowder combines sweet fresh corn kernels, tender Yukon gold potatoes, and savory aromatics in a velvety broth, making for a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Quick to prepare and customizable, this chowder offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal as a cozy weeknight meal or satisfying starter.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels
  • 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk

Fats & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Ingredients

  • 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash, peel, and dice the Yukon gold potatoes into evenly sized cubes. In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent to create a flavorful aromatic base.
  2. Cook the Potatoes and Corn: Add the cubed potatoes and fresh corn kernels to the pot, stirring to coat them with the buttery onion mixture. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup directly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, pulse until smooth, then stir it back into the pot.
  4. Add Cream and Seasonings: Slowly stir in the heavy cream or milk, warming the chowder over low heat. Season generously with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or parsley. If using, add cooked bacon now to infuse smoky depth.
  5. Final Simmer and Serve: Let the chowder simmer gently for a few more minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before ladling into bowls. Garnish as desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn for the best sweetness and texture.
  • Don’t over-blend the chowder; leave some potato chunks for satisfying texture.
  • Simmer gently over low heat to prevent cream from curdling.
  • Sauté aromatics thoroughly to develop deep onion and garlic flavors.
  • Adjust the chowder’s consistency by adding extra broth or cream as preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn chowder, creamy soup, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten free, cozy meal