Southwestern Corn Chowder
Ingredients
- 1 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 8 earsfresh sweet corn
shucked, or 6 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 lbred potatoes
cut into ¾” cubes, about 3 cups
- 1 largered onion
chopped
- 1poblano pepper*
seeds and ribs removed, chopped, optional
- 1red bell pepper
chopped
- 2celery ribs
chopped
- ¾ tspsalt
- ½ tspchili powder
- 2 mediumcloves garlic
pressed or minced
- 4 cvegetable broth
- 2 cwater
- 1bay leaf
- 2 tbspunsalted butter
cut into 4 pieces
- ¼ cchopped cilantro
- ¼ ccrème fraîche or sour cream or greek yogurt
- 1 tbspfresh lime juice
- to tastefreshly ground black pepper
- suggested garnishes: grated sharp cheddar cheese
thinly sliced green onion, additional cilantro leaves and/or a tiny pinch of chili powder
Directions
- 1
In a medium/large Dutch oven or soup pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the corn, potatoes, onion, poblano, bell pepper, celery, ½ teaspoon of the salt, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. Stir to combine. Cook until the onions are tender and translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.
- 2
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, while stirring constantly. Add the broth and water and stir to combine. Drop in the bay leaf.
- 3
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. It’s not done until the potatoes are fully cooked through and very easily pierced through with a fork.
- 4
Remove the pot from the heat. Using kitchen tongs, remove the bay leaf. Carefully transfer about 3 cups of the soup (about half liquid, half solids) to a blender. Securely fasten the lid and be careful to avoid the hot steam as you blend until completely smooth. Add the butter and blend again.
- 5
Pour the mixture back into the pot. Add the cilantro, crème fraîche (see note if using sour cream or Greek yogurt) and lime juice. Stir to combine. Season with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and be generous with the black pepper, to taste. If you’d like more spice, add up to ½ teaspoon more chili powder, to taste.
- 6
Divide the chowder into bowls and top with garnishes of your choice. Leftover chowder will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days or for several months frozen.
Southwestern Corn Chowder
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 193 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting bowl that's both hearty and bursting with fresh flavors? This Southwestern Corn Chowder delivers a vibrant, vegetarian meal perfect for any night you need a wholesome, satisfying dinner.
What makes this chowder truly special is its ability to deliver a rich, satisfying vegetarian experience without being overly heavy. It masterfully combines the natural sweetness of fresh corn with a savory aromatic base, brightened by a finishing touch of lime and cilantro. This approach creates depth of flavor while keeping the dish feeling fresh and wholesome.
Prepare for a bowl of pure comfort. Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of tender red potatoes, crisp-tender sweet corn, and savory vegetables in a richly flavored vegetable broth. The touch of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt lends a luxurious creaminess, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice and vibrant cilantro elevate the entire experience with their bright, zesty notes. It’s a generous, cozy dinner that promises warmth and flavor in every bite.
This Southwestern Corn Chowder is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. If you prefer less heat, simply omit the poblano pepper entirely. You can easily swap 8 ears of fresh sweet corn for 6 cups of frozen corn kernels, making this a delicious year-round favorite. Feel free to use sour cream or Greek yogurt in place of crème fraîche for a similar creamy tang at the end.
Serve this hearty chowder as a complete meal for a cozy dinner at home. Don't forget the suggested garnishes like grated sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced green onion, additional cilantro leaves, or a tiny pinch of chili powder to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.