Corn Chowder With Fresh Herbs And Smoked Ham
A hearty and creamy corn chowder with fresh herbs and smoked ham, perfect for comforting meals and showcasing sweet corn flavors with aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 (14 1/2 oz) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 sprig fresh thyme ⓘ
- 1 sprig fresh tarragon
- 2 (16 oz) cans whole potatoes, drained ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz or 17 oz) cans corn, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup half and half ⓘ
- 2 canned pimentos, drained and sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, combine chicken broth, chopped onion, and chopped carrot.
- Tie together bay leaf, fresh thyme, and tarragon to make a bouquet garni.
- Add the bouquet garni to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove the herbs and bouquet garni from the saucepan.
- Add drained potatoes and drained corn to the saucepan.
- Stir in half and half and sliced pimentos.
- Heat through and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onion and carrot in a bit of butter before adding the broth. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried thyme and tarragon. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and feel free to add some diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. This chowder can also be enhanced with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the corn chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad, making it a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Nan'S Swiss Steak for an American-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chowder cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Corn Chowder With Fresh Herbs And Smoked Ham contains roughly 825 calories, with 33g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (229% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (132% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1380mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?
Yes, you can use fresh corn! Simply cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the chowder after the potatoes are added. Fresh corn will add a sweet, crisp texture to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor.
Is it possible to make this chowder vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the smoked ham. You can enhance the flavor by adding extra herbs or spices such as smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of smokiness.
How can I make this chowder thicker?
To thicken the chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot after adding them. Alternatively, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the chowder, allowing it to simmer until thickened.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).