How to Make Creamy Corn Chowder

Creamy Sweet Corn Chowder Recipe

Ingredients:

• Kernels from 6 ears of corn (reserve 3 cobs)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, diced
• ¼ cup flour
• 4 cups vegetable stock or water
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 red potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crumbled bacon and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn:
   • Remove the kernels from 6 ears of corn into a deep bowl. Reserve 3 of the cobs.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
   • In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with some olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, and chopped fresh thyme.
   • Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add Vegetables:
   • Add the finely chopped celery stalk and diced carrot to the pot.
   • Mix well and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Create the Base:
   • Add ¼ cup of flour to the pot and mix well.
   • Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
   • Gradually whisk in the vegetable stock or water, whisking until all lumps disappear.
5. Simmer with Cobs:
   • Add the reserved corn cobs and 2 bay leaves to the pot.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
6. Cook the Potatoes:
   • Remove the corn cobs and bay leaves from the pot.
   • Add the peeled and diced red potatoes and bring the mixture back to a rolling boil.
   • Cook for about 6 minutes, boiling hard, until the potatoes start to soften.
7. Add Final Ingredients:
   • If desired, add the finely chopped red bell pepper.
   • Pour in the heavy cream and add the reserved corn kernels.
   • Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chowder thickens and all the vegetables are tender.
8. Serve and Garnish:
   • Season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy this creamy and flavorful sweet corn chowder, perfect for any time of the year, especially when fresh corn is in season!