Delicious Corn Chowder Recipe: A Perfect Comfort Food for Any Occasion
Why Corn Chowder is a Great Idea
Corn chowder is a perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s creamy, savory, and delicious, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a dinner party, this recipe is easy to make and will be sure to please. Made with fresh corn, potatoes, and bacon, this soup is perfect for the summer months when fresh corn is in season.
Ingredients
To make this delicious corn chowder recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 ears of fresh corn
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Cut the kernels off the corn cobs and set aside. Use the back of your knife to scrape the cobs to extract the milk; set the milk aside.
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Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 6 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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Add the onion and garlic to the pot with the bacon fat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add the potatoes, corn kernels, corn milk, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
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Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth, then return it to the pot.
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Stir in the cream and thyme, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with the reserved bacon.
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, there are a few variations you can try with this recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian version: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give the soup a smoky flavor.
- Vegan version: Omit the butter and cream, and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead. You can also add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Spicy version: Add some diced jalapeño peppers or red pepper flakes to the soup for a bit of heat.
- Seafood version: Add some shrimp, crab, or lobster meat to the soup for a seafood twist.
- Mexican version: Add some diced tomatoes, black beans, and cilantro to the soup for a Mexican flair.
Conclusion
Corn chowder is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh corn, potatoes, and bacon, this recipe is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a cozy night in or a dinner party, this soup is a great idea for any occasion. Give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be!
FAQ
What is Corn Chowder?
Corn Chowder is a thick soup made with corn, potatoes, onions, and often bacon or ham.
What ingredients do I need to make Corn Chowder?
You will need corn, potatoes, onions, bacon or ham, butter, flour, milk, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn instead of fresh corn. Just make sure to thaw it before using it in the recipe.
How do I make the Corn Chowder vegetarian?
To make the Corn Chowder vegetarian, you can omit the bacon or ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I make Corn Chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Corn Chowder ahead of time. Just let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat Corn Chowder?
To reheat Corn Chowder, transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Can I freeze Corn Chowder?
Yes, you can freeze Corn Chowder. Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I thicken Corn Chowder?
To thicken Corn Chowder, you can make a roux by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and cooking for a few minutes. Then, whisk in the milk and cook until thickened.
Can I use a different type of milk in Corn Chowder?
Yes, you can use a different type of milk in Corn Chowder, such as almond milk or soy milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may be slightly different.
Can I add other vegetables to Corn Chowder?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to Corn Chowder, such as carrots or celery. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.