The Best Sweetcorn Chowder

This sweetcorn chowder is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days, offering a hearty, creamy texture with a delightful burst of sweetness from the corn. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for family dinners or special occasions. This chowder combines fresh corn with rich cream and a variety of vegetables, making it a satisfying meal that is both filling and nutritious. Whether served with a side of crusty bread or enjoyed on its own, this soup will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweetcorn chowder is one of those dishes that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and flavor. The sweetness of fresh corn pairs beautifully with the savory broth, creating a smooth and creamy soup that’s hard to resist. The combination of tender vegetables, creamy texture, and vibrant corn flavor is comforting yet refreshing, making it an ideal meal for any season. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste, whether you prefer it spicy, smoky, or extra creamy.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh or frozen sweetcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Blend the Soup: Once the vegetables are cooked through, use an immersion blender to purée about half of the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend it, and return it to the pot.
5. Add the Corn and Cream: Stir in the sweetcorn, heavy cream, and milk. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. If you prefer a thicker chowder, continue to simmer it until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 6 servings.
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Corn Chowder: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to give the chowder some heat.
• Smoky Corn Chowder: For a deeper smoky flavor, try adding smoked sausage or bacon, or use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegan.
• Add Protein: You can easily add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon to make this a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover sweetcorn chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much after cooling, simply add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, canned corn can be used as a substitute. Just drain and rinse the corn before adding it to the soup.

How can I make the chowder thicker?

To thicken the chowder, you can mash some of the vegetables with a potato masher or blend part of the soup until smooth. You can also simmer the soup longer to reduce it and concentrate the flavors.

Can I make sweetcorn chowder without cream?

Yes, you can make a lighter version by substituting the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. The texture will be less creamy but still delicious.

How do I make this chowder spicier?

Add more smoked paprika or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup for a bit of heat. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to bring the spice level up.

Can I add other vegetables to this chowder?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the chowder. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this chowder dairy-free, use coconut milk or another non-dairy milk and substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

Can I add protein to this chowder?

Yes! This soup pairs well with cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon. Just add the protein towards the end of cooking so it can heat through.

Can I make this chowder ahead of time?

Yes, this chowder can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier.

Can I freeze sweetcorn chowder?

Yes, this chowder freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat sweetcorn chowder?

Reheat the chowder on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If the chowder is too thick, add a bit of milk or broth to adjust the consistency.

Conclusion

This sweetcorn chowder is a comforting and flavorful soup that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. With its creamy texture, sweet corn flavor, and easy-to-make ingredients, it’s perfect for a cozy meal at home. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a main dish, it’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.

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