Introduction

Corn chowder is a beloved comfort food that warms the soul with its creamy texture and rich flavors. This hearty soup is perfect for any season, whether you’re craving a cozy meal on a chilly winter evening or a light lunch on a sunny summer day. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a delicious creamy corn chowder that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

– 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
– 4 slices bacon, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.

2. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Stir in the diced potatoes and corn kernels, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

4. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, carefully blend about half of the soup until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to over-blend – you still want some texture in your chowder.

5. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve the creamy corn chowder hot, garnished with the crispy bacon pieces and chopped fresh chives or green onions.

Tips

– For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
– Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
– If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking to thicken the soup.
– This creamy corn chowder can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Conclusion

Creamy corn chowder is a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or as a main course, this soup is bound to become a family favorite. So grab a bowl, cozy up, and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade corn chowder!