Zucchini-Corn Chowder
Creamy zucchini and corn chowder with bacon, offering a savory, hearty flavor perfect for a comforting meal that highlights fresh summer vegetables. Ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the corn from the cobs.
- Saute bacon until crisp; crumble and set aside.
- Add zucchini, onions, green pepper, and garlic to the bacon drippings; saute until vegetables are tender.
- Add corn, water, salt, basil, and tarragon; bring mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer slowly for 10 minutes.
- Combine milk and eggs in a bowl.
- Add the milk and eggs mixture to the pot, stirring constantly, and simmer until thickened, ensuring the chowder does not boil.
- Sprinkle the bacon bits on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute turkey bacon for the regular bacon. If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn works just as well. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika. Ensure to stir constantly when adding the milk and eggs to prevent curdling. This chowder is versatile; feel free to add in some diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with crumbled bacon on top. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad like Jerry'S Spinach Salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, consider serving it with Ham And Cheese Biscuits. This chowder is also great as a starter for a larger meal or alongside grilled chicken for a complete dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much while reheating, add a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving as it may cause uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini-Corn Chowder contains roughly 466 calories, with 13g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (151% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1601mg per serving (70% 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, you can easily make this chowder vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water. You can add a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Ensure that the milk used is plant-based if you want a completely vegan option.
How can I make this chowder thicker?
To thicken the chowder, you can mash some of the cooked corn and vegetables with a fork or potato masher before adding the milk and eggs. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during the simmering phase.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the chowder?
You can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley. A splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can also add a nice kick. For a creamy texture, consider stirring in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
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).