Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This creamy corn chowder recipe, made with the richness of evaporated milk, is the perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. It’s a healthy meal packed with flavor, perfect for showcasing the sweetness of fresh corn. This homemade cooking masterpiece is so simple, even beginner cooks will feel like pros! Let's dive into this best recipe!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a spontaneous weeknight dinner.
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears) – or 2 (15 ounce) cans of whole kernel corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
This easy recipe is broken down into simple steps for a seamless cooking experience.
Step 1: Building the Flavor Base
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. Set the bacon aside to crumble later for garnish.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook in the bacon grease until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporating the Corn and Broth
Add the corn kernels (fresh or canned) and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Creating a Creamy Texture
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a little bit of the hot broth to create a smooth slurry. Gradually whisk this slurry into the simmering corn mixture. Continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Adding the Richness
Stir in the evaporated milk and heavy cream. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat through gently – do not boil.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
Ladle the chowder into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and easy dish!
Cooking Tips for Chowder Perfection
- Fresh Corn is Best: While canned corn works in a pinch, using fresh corn significantly enhances the flavor of the chowder.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking the corn will make it mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or thyme depending on your taste.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!
- Add Potatoes: Dice 2 medium potatoes and add them to the pot along with the corn.
- Seafood Chowder: Add cooked shrimp, scallops, or cod during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian Chowder: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Protein: Approximately 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
This corn chowder recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy meals that are simple to make. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and a surefire crowd-pleaser for family and friends. Enjoy!