Description
A quick and creamy corn chowder recipe that delivers comforting warmth and rich, velvety flavor in under 30 minutes. Featuring sweet corn, tender potatoes, and a silky broth, this chowder is ideal for busy nights, adaptable to various dietary preferences, and perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 medium Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
Fats and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup cooked bacon bits or 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh corn, slice kernels off the cob.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown.
- Cook potatoes and broth: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, then pour in the broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add corn and seasonings: Stir in the corn kernels along with salt, pepper, and any optional smoked paprika or bacon bits. Simmer for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend for creaminess: Partially blend the chowder using an immersion blender or by transferring half the soup to a blender, then return it to the pot. Leave some chunks visible for texture contrast.
- Stir in cream and finish: Lower the heat and gently mix in the heavy cream or milk. Warm through without boiling to maintain a smooth texture. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn; adjust cooking time slightly for fresh corn.
- Do not overblend; retaining chunks improves texture.
- Simmer gently to prevent cream from curdling and to deepen flavors.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar before serving for brightness.
- Toast herbs or spices briefly in butter for enhanced aroma if using.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: corn chowder, creamy soup, quick soup, comfort food, vegetarian option, gluten free