Creamy Dreamy Corn Chowder Sunshine in a Bowl
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Creamy Dreamy Corn Chowder, Sunshine in a Bowl
Ever had one of those days where you just need a culinary hug? This corn chowder soup does just that.
Honestly, this isn't just any soup ; it's a bowl of pure comfort food .
Quick Hook
Are you craving something creamy and comforting? This classic corn chowder soup recipe brings sunshine to your table! It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and savoury.
Brief Overview
Originating in New England , this classic corn chowder recipe takes the traditional chowder and makes it extra special. It's an easy recipe, taking about 55 minutes total.
This recipe makes about 6 servings of the most delish chowder .
Main Benefits
One of the best things about this healthy corn chowder recipe is that it's packed with the goodness of corn ! I love it as a simple lunch or dinner on a chilly winter evening.
What makes this special? The smoky bacon and creamy sweet corn !
So, what makes this chowder so special? It is the creamy texture! The smoky bacon bits add such an amazing touch.
Not a fan of bacon? This recipe can easily be made vegetarian .
Ready to dive in? Let's gather our ingredients for this crazy easy corn chowder recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Right, so you fancy whipping up some creamy , comfort food ? This easy corn chowder soup recipe is totally up your street.
It's the ultimate winter warmer. No fuss, just proper grub. Here's what you'll need. Don't worry, most of it's probably in your cupboard already.
Honestly, it's that simple.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
First, the essentials. Don't skimp on quality where it counts. Fresh is always best, you know?
- Bacon: 4 slices, diced ( 115g ). Look for dry-cured bacon for a proper smoky flavour.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). Extra virgin if you're feeling fancy.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced (about 1 cup / 150g ). Sweet onions will add a subtle sweetness.
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced (about ¾ cup / 100g ). Adds a lovely freshness.
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced (about ¾ cup / 100g ). For sweetness and colour.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is always best for that proper garlicky punch.
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups ( 950ml ). Go for a good quality broth , it makes a difference.
- Russet Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced (about 2 cups / 300g ). These get creamy when cooked.
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried. Earthy and aromatic.
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon. Adds a lovely smoky depth.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key, innit?
- Corn Kernels: 4 cups fresh or frozen (about 600g ). Get that sweet corn magic.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 240ml ). This is what makes it creamy !
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted ( 30g ). Adds richness and flavour.
- Flour: 1 tablespoon all-purpose ( 8g ). Thickens the cream .
- Garnish: Chives, crispy bacon bits, hot sauce .
Seasoning Notes: A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That
The thyme and paprika are crucial. That sweet corn soup recipe will be so much more spicy and warm. Don't be afraid to experiment.
- Essential spice combinations : Thyme + Smoked Paprika = Flavour explosion.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics : Garlic, obviously!
- Quick substitution options : No smoked paprika? A pinch of chili powder will do.
Equipment Needed: Simple, Really
You really don't need loads of fancy stuff. I made my corn chowder soup using basic tools, and it was amazing.
- Dutch oven : Or a large, heavy bottomed pot .
- Immersion blender : Or a regular blender. If you're using a regular blender, be careful when blending hot liquids.
- Cutting board & Chef's knife : For chopping.
- Measuring cups and spoons : Obvious.
Let's Make Creamy Dreamy Corn Chowder: Sunshine in a Bowl
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Corn Chowder Soup? It's proper comfort food. I think of it as a warm hug in a bowl.
This recipe isn't just any soup . This is the corn chowder recipe you'll be making all winter . It’s super easy , totally creamy , and packed with flavour.
This homemade corn chowder really is sunshine in a bowl. Originating from hearty New England , this elevates the traditional chowder with sweet corn , a touch of bacon and spice, is great for lunch or dinner .
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get organised. Dice your onion , celery , and carrot . Mince your garlic .
Peel and dice those potatoes . Get the bacon ready. It might sound boring, but this mise en place is the key to stress free cooking.
I used to dive straight in and then find myself scrambling for ingredients halfway through. Lesson learned!
step-by-step to Chowder Heaven
- Fry the diced bacon in your Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Take the bacon out, but leave the fat behind!
- Add your diced onion, celery, and carrot to the bacon fat. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes until softened. Chuck in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in your vegetable broth. Add the potatoes, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes , until those potatoes are tender.
- While the soup simmers, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 cup heavy cream until smooth. Add 4 cups corn kernels. Cook until hot through, about 5 minutes .
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. You want it creamy but still with some texture.
- Stir the corn and cream mixture into the blended soup. Heat through gently. Do not boil!
- Taste the corn chowder soup , and then adjust the seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with bacon, chives, and cream, if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pot of Corn Chowder
Want to take your corn chowder soup from good to great? Don't overcook the potatoes. Nobody wants mushy potatoes in their chowder .
And another thing, resist the urge to completely puree everything. You want those little chunks of vegetable for texture. This creamy corn chowder is awesome as a side dish , you know? You can use a regular blender if you don't have an immersion blender.
Just do it in batches and be careful hot soup can be explosive! I accidentally burned myself that way once, oh my gosh!
This easy corn chowder recipe is pure comfort food. It's like sunshine in a bowl, perfect for those cold winter nights.
So, grab your Dutch oven , get those veggies prepped, and get ready for a cracking good bowl of classic corn chowder ! Now, go make some sweet corn soup !
Recipe Notes for the Best Corn Chowder Soup Ever!
Right then, before you dive headfirst into making this ridiculously delicious corn chowder soup , let's have a wee chinwag about some essential pointers.
These are bits I've picked up along the way, y'know, proper home cooking wisdom! They’ll help you nail this recipe , even if you're a total beginner in the kitchen.
Serving up Sunshine: Plating and Presentation
Honestly, presentation is half the battle, innit? For this creamy corn chowder , think rustic charm. Ladle it into a bowl, give it a swirl of cream, sprinkle some fresh chives on top, and maybe a cheeky crumble of crispy bacon bits.
It’s all about making it look as good as it tastes. A chunk of crusty bread for dipping? Absolutely! And a proper English Cheddar cheese toastie on the side? Oh my gosh, perfection! For drinks a crisp white wine, a light broth , or a glass of lemonade.
Storing Your Liquid Gold
So, you've made a massive pot of this comfort food masterpiece? Good on ya! Now, let's talk storage.
- Refrigeration: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll be champion for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Fancy making a batch for a winter warmer later on? This freezes rather well. Just let it cool completely, bung it in a freezer safe container, and it'll be good for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. If it's a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water. Avoid boiling it after it's already had cream added initially.
Tweak It 'Til You Make It: Variations
Got dietary requirements or just fancy a change? Here are a few simple swaps:
- Vegetarian: Swap the bacon for some smoked paprika or some toasted smoked almonds.
- Vegan: Use plant based butter, cream, and broth. Omit the bacon or use vegan bacon bits.
- Spicy : For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce , or finely diced jalapenos.
A Little Bit About the Good Stuff: Nutrition Basics
This healthy corn chowder soup isn't just tasty; it's got some goodness in it too. You're getting vitamins from the corn , onions , celery , and carrots , plus some potatoes for energy.
Don't forget the sweet corn is a good source of fiber. It is also a good lunch or dinner option for the whole family.
Right then, off you pop! Give this easy corn chowder recipe a go. And don't be afraid to make it your own.
Happy cooking, and remember, a little love in the kitchen goes a long way!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make corn chowder soup ahead of time? It would be champion if I could prep this Delia style before my guests arrive!
Absolutely! Corn chowder soup is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, the flavours often meld and improve overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, and be careful not to boil it after adding the cream, or it might curdle.
How do I store leftover corn chowder soup? Will it last 'til tea time tomorrow, guv'nor?
Storing leftover corn chowder is a doddle! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It will happily keep for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the hob, adding a splash of milk or broth if it's thickened up too much. Avoid nuking it, as that can affect the texture.
My corn chowder soup is too thick! What can I do? It's proper claggy, innit?
No worries, that's easily fixed! Simply add a bit more liquid to thin it out. Vegetable or chicken broth is ideal, but milk or cream will also do the trick. Start with a small amount, about ¼ cup at a time, and stir it in until you reach your desired consistency.
Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Can I freeze corn chowder soup? Gotta be thrifty these days!
Freezing corn chowder can be a bit tricky because the cream can sometimes separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze it if you take a few precautions. Cool the chowder completely, then transfer it to freezer safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace.
When thawing, do it slowly in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture. For best results, consider freezing before adding the cream!
I'm veggie. Can I make a vegan version of this corn chowder soup? Perhaps using some "groovy" ingredients, man?
Far out, you can definitely make this chowder plant based! Just swap the bacon for some smoked paprika to maintain the smoky flavour. Use plant based butter and cream alternatives. And, of course, use a good quality vegetable broth. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy depth if you’re missing that flavour element.
I want to add a bit of oomph to my corn chowder soup. Any tips for extra flavour?
Absolutely! Think of layering flavours like a well stacked record collection. A bay leaf added during simmering can add depth. A squeeze of lime juice at the end can brighten things up.
And a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper will kick it up a notch, even better than watching a Corgi doing the running man on TikTok!
Creamy Dreamy Corn Chowder Sunshine In A Bowl
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 4g |