Zippy Corn Chowder
A vibrant, creamy corn chowder with a zippy kick from jalapenos and mustard, perfect for cozy gatherings and those who love a flavorful, hearty soup.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz) chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 large red potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 3 cups frozen corn ⓘ
- 4 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cups milk, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, sauté onion and green pepper in butter until tender.
- Add chicken broth and cubed potatoes; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are almost tender.
- Stir in chopped jalapeno, Dijon mustard, salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Add frozen corn, chopped green onions, and 2 1/2 cups of milk.
- Bring to a boil.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and remaining milk until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the soup, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil and cook, stirring for 2 minutes until thickened and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream at the end. If you want a milder chowder, remove the seeds from the jalapeno before adding it. You can also substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. For a heartier dish, try adding diced cooked chicken or using leftover rotisserie chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with Hooper'S Easy Cornbread Stuffing for a comforting meal. For a lighter side, consider a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the chowder. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a bit of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zippy Corn Chowder contains roughly 645 calories, with 7g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (190% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (72% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1208mg per serving (53% 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 frozen?
Yes, fresh corn can be used in place of frozen. About 4-5 ears of corn should yield the same amount. Just make sure to cut the kernels off the cob and add them in when you would normally add the frozen corn, allowing them to cook until tender.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more jalapeno peppers or include a pinch of cayenne pepper. Additionally, consider topping the chowder with hot sauce or serving with spicy tortilla chips for an extra kick. Just remember to adjust the amounts to your taste preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this chowder can be made ahead of time. Prepare it according to the recipe, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld nicely overnight. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra milk or broth to restore the desired consistency.
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).