Lydia'S Corn Chowder
Lydia's Corn Chowder offers a creamy, comforting blend of tender potatoes, sweet corn, and melted American cheese, infused with a mild red pepper kick. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines hearty flavors and smooth textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine potatoes, water, bouillon, red pepper, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer about 10 minutes or until potatoes are just tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 2 1/2 cups of milk and corn.
- Cook until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add shredded American cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Garnish with snipped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing onions or garlic before adding the potatoes. If you prefer a thicker chowder, increase the flour to 3 tablespoons or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in. You can substitute the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper taste or use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lydia's Corn Chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Divon for a comforting dinner. For a festive touch, consider topping with crumbled bacon or fresh chives to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from curdling. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lydia'S Corn Chowder contains roughly 579 calories, with 22g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (139% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), and potassium (89% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh corn! You'll need about 2-3 cups of corn kernels, which you can cut from the cobs. Just add them along with the milk for a fresher taste and texture.
Is it possible to make this chowder gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative such as cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure to check the labels of your bouillon and cheese to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
How can I make this chowder spicy?
To add some heat, consider increasing the ground red pepper or adding diced jalapeños or chili flakes. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice preference for the perfect kick.
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).