Basic Corn Chowder

Basic Corn Chowder

This is chowder at its simplest: corn, onion, potatoes and milk, with a couple of chopped tomatoes and a handful of parsley to add flavor and color. Starting with bacon and finishing with cream makes a richer version of the dish. But you could easily expand its borders by adding curry powder and ginger, sour cream and cilantro. Or when the potato is replaced by rice and the cream with coconut milk, Southeast Asian seasonings can be added to make a chowder that has little in common with the original, save for its intense corn flavor.

Ingredients

  • corn
    4 ears
  • butter or neutral oil

    like canola or grapeseed

    1 tbsp
  • onion

    chopped

    1 medium
  • potatoes

    peeled and diced

    2 medium
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • tomatoes

    cored, seeded and chopped, optional

    2
  • whole or low-fat milk
    1 c
  • chopped parsley

    optional

    ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Shuck corn, and use a paring knife to strip kernels into a bowl. Put cobs in a pot with 4 cups water; bring to a boil, cover and simmer while you continue.

  2. 2

    Put butter or oil in a saucepan, and turn heat to medium-high. When butter melts or oil is hot, add onion and potatoes, along with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, about 5 minutes; add tomatoes and cook, stirring, for another minute or two.

  3. 3

    After corncobs have cooked at least 10 minutes, strain liquid into onion-potato mixture; bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. When potatoes are tender, add corn kernels and milk, and heat through. Taste, and adjust seasonings. Garnish with the parsley, and serve.

Basic Corn Chowder

Basic Corn Chowder

320 cal

Similar Recipes

Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder

Our easy recipe for corn chowder highlights the taste of sweet corn. You can prepare it with fresh or frozen corn, making this a go-to corn chowder recipe all year round.

40 minutes4 servings2118 kcal
Southwestern Corn Chowder

Southwestern Corn Chowder

Make this Southwestern corn chowder for a cozy dinner at home! This vegetarian corn chowder recipe is fresh, wholesome and delicious. Recipe yields 8 cups or 4 generous bowls.

50 minutes8 servings513 kcal
Shrimp Corn Chowder

Shrimp Corn Chowder

This Shrimp Corn Chowder is a flavorful and comforting soup that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp and tender veggies in creamy seasoned broth is the perfect way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying

30 minutes
The Best Corn Chowder

The Best Corn Chowder

The key to great corn flavor in this simple chowder is making a quick corn stock from the cobs of the fresh, peak-season sweet corn and using it as the base for the soup.

50 minutes257 kcal
Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder

Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder

Dive into a delightful corn and zucchini chowder, blending sweet corn and fresh summer veggies for a family-friendly, easy homemade soup.

50 minutes209 kcal
Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder

Making this creamy corn chowder recipe is a great way to celebrate the end of summer, but it’s just as cozy and delicious in the middle of winter.

55 minutes287 kcal
Bok Choy

Bok Choy

Learn how to cook bok choy with this easy stir-fry recipe! This bok choy stir-fry with garlic and ginger is a popular and healthy Asian side dish!

15 minutes4 servings
Chinese Cabbage Soup

Chinese Cabbage Soup

This easy and quick Chinese Cabbage Soup is a nutritious dish on the dinner table in 20 minutes (unlike other Asian soups which typically take forever to cook!) Moreover, you can get the ingredients at your regular store without having to go to the Asian market (just substitute the goji berries with carrots.) I also show you how to make a light version for a family dinner in summer and a heartier one for winter.

20 minutes4 servings138 kcal

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving a comforting bowl of soup that’s both simple and satisfying? This Basic Corn Chowder is your answer, offering a delightful blend of summer flavors perfect for any weeknight meal.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines in its elegant simplicity, highlighting the natural sweetness of fresh corn and the hearty texture of potatoes. It’s a versatile foundation, allowing you to build upon its classic base with optional additions like rich bacon and cream, or fresh tomatoes and parsley for a vibrant finish. The beauty lies in its adaptability, inviting you to make it your own.

What to Expect

You'll be greeted with a creamy, wholesome soup boasting the unmistakable taste of sweet corn. Tender chunks of potato create a comforting texture, while the optional tomatoes lend a bright, fresh tang and the parsley adds an herbaceous lift. It's a remarkably satisfying dish, delivering warmth and flavor in every spoonful, with approximately 320 calories per serving.

Customization & Variations

This basic corn chowder is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. To make it richer, consider starting with a touch of bacon or stirring in cream at the end. For an international twist, try adding curry powder and ginger for a warm spice, or sour cream and fresh cilantro for a zesty finish. You can even replace the potatoes with rice and the milk with coconut milk, then infuse it with Southeast Asian seasonings for a completely different yet equally delicious corn-focused soup. Don't forget the optional chopped tomatoes and fresh parsley to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.

Serving & Context

This hearty chowder is ideal for a quick, weeknight dinner, particularly during the summer months when corn is at its peak. Serve it simply with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or a light green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions