Creamy Sweet Corn Chowder
Creamy Sweet Corn Chowder offers a comforting blend of tender corn, potatoes, and low-fat milk, creating a rich yet light soup perfect for chilly days. Its smooth texture and sweet corn flavor make it a delightful starter or main course for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat vegetable oil or butter until melted.
- Add chopped onion and cook, stirring, over medium-low heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add 2 1/2 cups of corn kernels, diced potatoes, chicken broth, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook over low heat until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Cool slightly; transfer the mixture to a food processor with a metal blade and puree in batches if necessary.
- Press the pureed mixture through a sieve set over the saucepan. Pour the low-fat milk through the sieve.
- Add the remaining 1/2 cup of corn kernels to the saucepan.
- Heat over low heat, stirring until warm; do not let it boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Fresh corn works best, but frozen corn can be used if fresh is unavailable. For added texture, reserve some whole kernels to stir in at the end, enhancing the chowder's appeal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder warm, garnished with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a satisfying meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken And Broccoli Pie or even Chili Ala Ono for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chowder gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If the chowder has thickened, add a splash of milk or broth to achieve the desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Sweet Corn Chowder contains roughly 1274 calories, with 14g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (79% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 812mg per serving (35% 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 make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, this chowder can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just be sure to reheat it gently and add a little extra milk if it has thickened too much.
Can I freeze the chowder?
While you can freeze the chowder, the texture may change upon reheating, especially with the milk. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the milk and adding it when reheating. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken or bacon. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well, or you can incorporate crispy bacon pieces just before serving for added flavor and texture.
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).