Ah, summer—the time when the sun kisses your skin and corn is as sweet as a lazy afternoon. I remember last July, biting into fresh cobs at a local fair, the buttery kernels bursting with flavor. This creamy summer corn chowder brings those golden days into your kitchen, blending nostalgia with each spoonful of velvety comfort.
Steps
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and bacon, cooking until the onion is soft and beginning to brown, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in flour and garlic, cooking for 1.5 minutes. Gradually whisk in 5 cups of water or broth, stirring constantly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add corn kernels and diced potatoes. Season with thyme, a bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and blend 2.5 cups of the chowder until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the pot.
- Stir in half and half and honey, mixing well. Serve garnished with chives and optional cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- Fresh corn kernels, cut from the cob
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 5 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup half & half or heavy cream
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
- Cheddar cheese, shredded, for garnish (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories 2184 | Calories from Fat 1026 | Fat 114g | Saturated Fat 54g | Cholesterol 252mg | Sodium 1350mg | Potassium 4506mg | Carbohydrates 252g | Fiber 24g | Sugar 66g | Protein 60g | Vitamin A 3270IU | Vitamin C 111.6mg | Calcium 480mg | Iron 21mg
FAQ
- Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn for this chowder?
- Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh corn on the cob is not available. However, using fresh corn will provide the best flavor as it is the primary ingredient in this recipe.
- What can I serve with corn chowder to make it a complete meal?
- This chowder is quite hearty on its own, but you can pair it with fresh crusty bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, red bell pepper, celery, and carrots. For a larger meal, serve it alongside a main dish like baked chicken or grilled salmon.
- Can I make this chowder creamier, and if so, how?
- To make the chowder creamier, you can use heavy cream instead of half and half. Additionally, you can puree a portion of the chowder to achieve a smoother texture.
- Is it possible to add more flavor to the corn chowder?
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. You can also garnish with additional toppings like jalapeños or cilantro for a different taste profile.
- What are some variations of corn chowder I can try?
- There are several delicious variations, such as Creamy Ham & Potato Corn Chowder, Creamy Mexican Corn Chowder, Coconut Chicken Corn Chowder, Summer Squash Corn Chowder, and Sweet Potato Ham and Corn Chowder.
Tips
- Use fresh corn on the cob whenever possible for the best flavor, as it is the key ingredient that defines the taste of the chowder. If fresh corn is unavailable, frozen corn is a suitable alternative.
- To maintain crispy bacon texture, cook the bacon separately until crisp and set it aside on paper towels. Use the rendered bacon fat along with butter in the recipe, and add the crispy bacon as a topping at the end.
- If you prefer a more intense corn flavor without the hassle of extracting corn juice, consider adding honey to enhance the soup’s sweetness, especially when using super sweet corn.
- Experiment with additional garnishes such as jalapeños or cilantro for added flavor and variety, alongside the traditional chives and optional cheddar cheese.
Equipment
- Large pot – A good quality large pot is essential for making soups and chowders.
- Blender – Needed for pureeing a portion of the chowder to achieve the desired texture.
- Fine strainer – Useful if you choose to extract corn juice as described in the original recipe adaptation.
- Food processor – For pureeing corn if you decide to make corn juice using the alternate method suggested.
- Whisk – Helpful for making a smooth roux and incorporating liquids without lumps.
