Creamy Dreamy Corn Chowder
Table of Contents
Let's Talk Corn Chowder Soup , Shall We?
Fancy a bowl of sunshine? Ever craved something that feels like summer hugging you from the inside? If so, keep reading! This creamy corn chowder soup recipe is about to become your new best mate.
What Makes This Chowder So Special?
This isn't just any soup recipe . This corn chowder takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level. Think sweet corn , smoky bacon , and a velvety texture that will make you go "Ooh la la!".
Trust me, it’s proper lush!
A Bit of Background on Our Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is a dish with its roots firmly planted in American culinary tradition. Originating as a humble way to use available ingredients, it's evolved into a beloved creamy soup .
Our take on it is surprisingly easy and quick. We're talking about 55 minutes from start to finish. This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Perfect for a family dinner , a cozy lunch , or even meal prepping for the week!
Why You'll Bloomin' Love This Recipe
Honestly, this corn chowder recipe is more than just tasty. It's proper good for you too. Corn provides fibre and antioxidants.
Potatoes add potassium, and it is naturally gluten-free . It's also incredibly versatile, suitable for vegetarian or dairy-free diets with simple swaps.
The best thing? This homemade corn chowder is the ultimate comfort food for those chilly autumn and winter evenings, but refreshing enough to even enjoy on a cool summer night.
Right then, let's get down to the ingredients, shall we?
Corn Chowder Soup: Let's Talk Ingredients and Kit!
Okay, let's dive into what you'll need for the best ever corn chowder soup . Honestly, even thinking about it makes my tummy rumble! A bowl of creamy corn chowder is pure comfort food , isn't it?
Main Ingredients Breakdown
First, the bacon. You need about 4 slices (that's around 115g for my friends across the pond). Make sure it's good quality, proper smoky bacon for that flavour! Then, one medium yellow onion ( 1 cup diced or 150g ), two ribs of celery ( ½ cup or 75g ), and two medium carrots ( ½ cup or 75g ).
The onion, celery, and carrots are classic and form a great base. For the corn , you'll need 4 cups (roughly 600g ).
Fresh off the cob is amazing if it's summer, otherwise frozen is fine. Next up: 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes , peeled and diced.
This is about 2 cups / 300g . 950ml of chicken broth and 240ml of heavy cream round it all out.
Seasoning Symphony
We're keeping it simple but effective, innit? ½ teaspoon each of dried thyme and smoked paprika are key. The paprika adds warmth and smokiness.
A cheeky ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of kick. Salt and pepper, obviously taste as you go! Fresh parsley is lush, so get some for garnish.
I reckon that hot sauce is also essential.
Equipment: Keep it Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets. A large Dutch oven or any heavy bottomed pot will do the trick. A sharp knife and cutting board for all that chopping.
Measuring cups and spoons are essential, of course. If you have an immersion blender, ace! If not, a regular blender will work, just be careful with hot liquids.
You could get away with using a potato masher! Don't be shy to improvise a bit!
Honestly, this corn chowder soup recipe is totally easy , quick , and budget friendly . You can even sneak in extra veg to make it healthy .
So grab your stuff and get cooking!
Unleash Your Inner Chef: Corn Chowder Soup Made Easy!
Okay, so let's talk corn chowder soup . Honestly, who doesn't love a creamy bowl of comfort food , especially when the weather's a bit pants? Think of this as your cheat sheet to the best corn chowder you've ever made.
And trust me, it's easier than you think! I remember once trying a fancy version, but nothing beats a simple, homemade corn chowder .
Ready to get started?
Prep Like a Pro, Cook Like a Boss
First things first: let's get organised. This bit's called mise en place , fancy French for "everything in its place".
Dice your bacon (4 slices), onion (1 medium), celery (2 ribs), carrots (2 medium) and potatoes (2 medium Yukon Gold).
Mince your garlic (2 cloves). Get your spices ready. I'm talking thyme (½ tsp), paprika (½ tsp), and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes (¼ tsp) if you're feeling brave.
Having everything prepped saves you time and stress later, trust me on this one. And hey, chopping is kinda therapeutic, right?
Let's Get Cooking: Chowder Time!
Alright, here’s the lowdown. Ready?
- Crispy Bacon: Cook your diced bacon in your pot over medium heat until it's nice and crispy. Remove it and set aside, but keep that lovely bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Veg: Add your onion, celery, and carrots to the bacon fat and cook for 5- 7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and spices.
- Build Your Base: Pour in the chicken broth (4 cups), diced potatoes, and add a bay leaf. Simmer for about 15 minutes , or until potatoes are tender.
- Corn Power: Stir in the fresh corn kernels (4 cups) and simmer for another 5 minutes until cooked.
- Creamy Magic: Melt the butter (2 tbsp) in another saucepan, whisk in flour (2 tbsp), and cook for 1 minute . Slowly whisk in ½ cup of the hot chowder until smooth, then pour it into the main pot.
- Blend It (Optional): Use an immersion blender for a creamy corn chowder , or carefully blend a portion in a regular blender. Be careful with hot liquids!
- Finish Strong: Stir in the heavy cream (1 cup) and cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently, but don't boil.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Chowder Pro Tips
Want to take your corn chowder to the next level? Here's a few secrets. Don’t overcook the corn , trust me, a few minutes is all you need.
Taste as you go. Seasoning is key.
A common mistake? Forgetting to scrape the bottom of the pot. This prevents the soup from scorching. Want to make it ahead? Absolutely.
The flavors actually meld together even better. You can even freeze it! Just remember to thaw it overnight. Honestly this is a versatile soup recipe .
You can easily make it vegetarian corn chowder by skipping the bacon and using vegetable broth. You can make it a seafood chowder by adding some shrimp or crab.
And If you want to make this gluten-free , just use gluten-free flour in the roux, easy peasy!.
So there you have it, a bloody good corn chowder recipe that's sure to impress! Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Let's Talk Corn Chowder Soup!
Alright, so you're ready to make some amazing corn chowder soup . Fab! Here are some extra bits of info to really nail it.
This easy corn chowder is forgiving, but these tips make it even better.
How to Dish it Up: Serving like a Pro
Presentation is everything, right? For plating, ladle the creamy corn chowder into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of that crispy bacon . A swirl of cream looks fancy too.
Serving it with crusty bread is a must. Think sourdough or a baguette for dipping. A side salad also cuts through the richness nicely.
A lovely glass of wine would be a nice pairing for the soup .
Storage Secrets: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? This make-ahead corn chowder is even better the next day.
Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll last for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently simmer on the stove. You can microwave it, but stir it often.
Want to freeze it? You can! Let the corn chowder cool completely first. Then, freeze in individual portions for easy lunches. When reheating from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Mix it Up: Variations for Every Palate
Want to make it vegetarian ? Easy peasy! Just skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add a dash of smoked paprika for that bacon -y flavour.
For a dairy-free corn chowder , swap the heavy cream with coconut milk. Honestly, you won't even notice the difference. In the fall, roast some butternut squash and add it in!
Nutri Facts: A Bit About the Goodness
This healthy corn chowder is surprisingly good for you. It's packed with vitamins from the corn and potatoes. You're also getting protein from the bacon or other additions.
One bowl clocks in around 350-400 calories. 15g of Protein. 25g of Fat and 30g of Carbs, but it will keep you full and happy.
So, there you have it! All the secrets to a truly amazing corn chowder soup . Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make corn chowder soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Corn chowder soup is a great make-ahead dish. The flavors actually meld together and improve after a day or two in the fridge. Just be aware that the potatoes might absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency, just like you might with a good batch of chili.
How do I store leftover corn chowder soup?
Leftover corn chowder should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over medium low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
My corn chowder soup is too thick! How do I thin it out?
No worries, that's an easy fix! Simply add a bit more chicken broth or milk (or even water in a pinch) to the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir it in gradually, allowing the soup to heat through after each addition.
You'll be back to enjoying your perfectly textured corn chowder in no time - it's as easy as fixing a cuppa!
Can I freeze corn chowder soup?
Freezing corn chowder can be a bit tricky because dairy based soups sometimes separate upon thawing. To minimize this, let the chowder cool completely before freezing. Consider omitting the cream until after thawing and reheating. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
When thawing, do it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, stirring frequently. You might need to add a bit of fresh cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.
I don't have fresh corn; can I still make this corn chowder soup?
You bet! Frozen corn is a fantastic substitute for fresh corn, especially when corn isn't in season. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup. Canned corn can also work in a pinch, but it won't have the same fresh sweetness as fresh or frozen. Drain it well before adding it to the pot.
Is this corn chowder soup recipe healthy?
Our corn chowder soup can be part of a balanced diet! It contains vegetables like corn, onion, carrots, and celery, providing vitamins and fiber. However, it also includes bacon and cream, which contribute to fat and calorie content.
To make it healthier, you can use less bacon, substitute half and-half or milk for the cream, and load up on the veggies. You could even add some extra greens at the end for an extra boost of nutrients think kale or spinach!
Creamy Dreamy Corn Chowder
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |