Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness? Look no further! This creamy corn chowder recipe is the perfect answer for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It's surprisingly easy to make, packed with fresh corn flavor, and undeniably satisfying. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant homemade dish! This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears of corn) – you can substitute with 2 cups frozen corn
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a vegan option
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or 2% for creaminess)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled bacon or pancetta for added flavor and texture.
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base flavor for your chowder.
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Add the corn: Add the fresh or frozen corn kernels to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened. If using frozen corn, you might not need to cook it as long.
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Simmer the broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This slow simmering process develops a deeper, richer flavor.
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Blend for creaminess (optional): For an extra creamy texture, carefully transfer about 1/3 of the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot) and blend until smooth. Return the blended portion to the pot. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Stir in cream and milk: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and milk. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat through gently – do not boil.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the creamy corn chowder into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional bacon or pancetta. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade meal! This recipe makes a great addition to your repertoire of best recipes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Corn Chowder:
- Fresh corn is best: While frozen corn works in a pinch, fresh corn offers a superior sweetness and flavor.
- Don't overcook the corn: Overcooked corn can become mushy. Aim for slightly tender corn kernels.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and thyme to your preference.
- Add other vegetables: Enhance your chowder by adding diced potatoes, carrots, or celery during the simmering stage.
- Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce adds a delightful kick.
Variations:
- Spicy Corn Chowder: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Cheesy Corn Chowder: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Bacon Corn Chowder: Crumble cooked bacon into the chowder for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This creamy corn chowder is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are easy to make. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a go-to choice for your homemade cooking adventures. Enjoy!