Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrot to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the sweet potatoes and spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, dried thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the broth: Pour in the vegetable (or chicken) broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Blend the chowder (optional): For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the chowder until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and puree it, then return it to the pot.
- Add milk and corn: Once the soup is blended to your desired consistency, stir in the milk (or coconut milk) and corn kernels. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finish with cream: If you prefer a richer chowder, add the heavy cream at the end. Stir well and let the chowder simmer for a few more minutes.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the chowder and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, you can top your chowder with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cheese, or even a few crispy bacon bits. This chowder also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend more of the chowder or cook it for a longer time to reduce the liquid.