Smoky Corn Chowder
A creamy, smoky corn chowder packed with sausage and lima beans, its rich butter and flour roux delivers comforting warmth—perfect for family dinners or quick weekday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onion in butter until tender.
- Blend in flour, salt and pepper.
- Add the milk all at once; cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in corn, sausage and lima beans.
- Simmer 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked sausage instead of fully cooked sausage links. You can also substitute half-and-half for the milk to create a creamier texture. If you're looking to cut down on calories, you can use a light margarine or butter alternative. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor without overpowering the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the smoky corn chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes And Sausage for a hearty dinner. For an added garnish, sprinkle with fresh chives or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the chowder thickens during storage, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoky Corn Chowder contains roughly 923 calories, with 29g protein, 179g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (152% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and protein (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2775mg per serving (121% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of milk. You can add additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more texture and flavor.
How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?
If your chowder turns out too thin, you can blend a small portion of it and then stir it back in to create a thicker consistency. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry and add it to the simmering chowder until thickened.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it before adding to the chowder. It will provide a fresher taste and maintain a nice texture in the finished dish.
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).