Corn chowder soup is a thick, creamy soup made with corn, potatoes, and vegetables. It typically includes ingredients like onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, all cooked in a savory broth. The soup is finished with milk or cream to create a smooth, rich texture that complements the sweetness of the corn.
Corn chowder soup takes around 30-40 minutes to prepare. This includes time for chopping vegetables, simmering the soup, and blending to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Making corn chowder soup is a simple and rewarding experience. The natural sweetness of the corn blends beautifully with the creamy texture, creating a satisfying dish. The soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and can easily be adjusted to suit personal tastes. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love Corn Chowder Soup
- Deliciously Creamy Texture: Corn chowder soup has a rich, smooth, and creamy texture that makes each spoonful comforting. The combination of tender corn kernels and a velvety broth delivers a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Simple and Quick to Prepare: This recipe is easy to make and doesn’t take much time. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a warm, flavorful meal in just under an hour.
- Healthy and Flavorful: Corn chowder is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. The sweet corn adds fiber, while vegetables like potatoes and onions boost the soup’s natural flavors, making it a hearty, healthy choice.
Ingredient Notes for Corn Chowder Soup
- Frozen Corn Kernels: Frozen corn kernels are a convenient and easy way to add sweetness and texture to your corn chowder soup. They are already harvested at peak freshness, so you don’t need to worry about cutting fresh corn off the cob.
- Potatoes: Potatoes give the soup a creamy base and provide a comforting texture. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for thickening the soup.
- Onion: Onion adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the soup. You can use yellow or white onion for the best results, as they tend to caramelize well and enhance the overall taste.
- Garlic: Garlic adds depth and richness to the flavor profile. It’s best to finely chop or mince the garlic to release its oils and aroma.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth adds a meaty depth, while vegetable broth provides a lighter, vegetarian-friendly alternative. Both options create a flavorful liquid base for the soup.
- Milk: Milk helps to make the soup creamy and smooth. Use whole milk for a richer texture or opt for a lighter version like skim milk if you prefer.
- Chopped Celery: Celery brings a fresh, crisp texture and a mild, earthy flavor. It pairs well with the sweetness of the corn and adds a nice crunch.
- Carrots: Carrots add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup. They also enhance the flavor balance with their natural earthiness.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and a silky smooth finish to the soup. Use unsalted butter to control the salt levels, ensuring the soup is not too salty.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for bringing all the flavors together. Season the soup to taste, keeping in mind that the broth and butter will contribute some salt as well.
Corn Chowder Soup Variation
For a different twist, try adding bacon or sausage to your corn chowder soup for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil. For a spicier version, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. These variations bring a unique depth to the dish, keeping it fresh and exciting.
How to Serve Corn Chowder Soup
Corn chowder soup is best served hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers. The creamy texture and sweet corn flavor make it a great main dish or a comforting starter before a meal. It’s also excellent for dipping and pairing with a fresh salad.
Storing & Reheating Corn Chowder Soup
Storing corn chowder soup properly helps maintain its flavor and texture. After cooking, let the soup cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Corn chowder can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but make sure to cover it loosely to prevent splattering.
If you’re storing corn chowder for longer periods, freezing it is an option. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
FAQs About Corn Chowder Soup
Is corn chowder soup healthy?
Corn chowder can be healthy when made with fresh ingredients and low-fat milk or cream. However, it can be high in calories depending on the amount of cream and butter used.
Can I make corn chowder soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make corn chowder soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting meat or bacon. Many variations focus on plant-based ingredients for a lighter, yet still flavorful, option.
How do you thicken corn chowder soup?
To thicken corn chowder soup, you can use mashed potatoes, cornstarch, or a roux. Blending some of the soup mixture also helps achieve a creamy texture.
How long does corn chowder soup last?
Corn chowder soup typically lasts for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and freshness.
The Best Corn Chowder Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the onions and garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Add the potatoes and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the corn and seasonings: Once the potatoes are cooked, add the corn, celery, carrots, thyme, and bay leaf (if using). Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Add the milk: Pour in the milk or cream, and stir well to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes, making sure the soup is heated through.
- Blend for smoothness (optional): If you prefer a smoother chowder, use a hand blender to blend part of the soup right in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender, blend, and return it to the pot.
- Season and serve: Taste your soup and add salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf if you used one. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
