Enjoy this wholesome Potato Corn Chowder any time you’re craving a rich, creamy, and oh-so-flavorful soup.
When I hear the word chowder, I think of a steaming bowl of thick, creamy soup, such as New England clam or corn chowder. Sometimes, I envision a spicy, red Manhattan clam chowder. In all cases, each spoonful features nourishing vegetables and, except for the case of a red Manhattan chowder, a creamy, filling base. This recipe for potato corn chowder is no different, as you get one delectable bite after another.
I don’t need a cold winter’s day to enjoy a bowl of delicious chowder. Any time of year is perfect for this easy-to-make potato soup. With only 15 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of cooking, I can curl up on the couch with my bowlful of comfort.
Another benefit of this recipe is that it is naturally gluten-free, so I don’t have to adjust it for my dietary needs. It can also be made dairy-free by substituting plant-based half-and-half for the milk-based one in the recipe. I even made this soup with coconut milk, and it turned out to be a delicious swap.
Is Potato Corn Chowder Healthy?
Chowders sometimes get a bad reputation for being loaded with fat and calories. While it’s certainly a higher calorie, higher fat soup, potato corn chowder does provide protein, fiber, and potassium. If you pair a bowl of this chowder with a side of vegetables and a loaded green salad, you’ll have a delicious and filling meal that’s high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, too. If calories and fat are a concern for you, opting to have a smaller portion of soup with a larger portion of a veggie side would be a way to still enjoy this soup without compromising on your health goals.
Choosing The Right Potatoes For Chowder
The choice of potato can make a big difference in the outcome of your chowder. Ideally, you want a potato that will hold its shape during cooking. Russet, Yukon Gold, and red potatoes are my favorite choices for soups and chowders. Although russet potatoes break down a bit more than the Yukon Gold and baby red potatoes, they help provide a thicker texture to the chowder. You can also combine russets with one of the other two types to get a thicker soup along with hearty chunks of potatoes.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover potato corn chowder can be refrigerated in airtight containers for 3 to 4 days. Although you can freeze it for up to 3 months, I find that the texture of potatoes changes after freezing, so I rarely do that.
Serving Suggestions
I love the combination of soup and salad, so don’t be surprised when I tell you that Olive Garden is one of my favorite lunchtime restaurants. Their endless soup and salad lunch is too good to pass up unless I make it at home. This copycat Olive Garden Salad recipe is perfect with a bowl (or two) of potato corn chowder.
Other salads that go well with this chowder include Chopped Salad, 7-Layer Salad, and BLT Salad, which lets you use the cooked bacon twice and sprinkle some on the soup. Add this Watermelon Fruit Salad for dessert, and you have a delicious meal you can feel good about without much cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3 large potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch optional
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 3 cups corn kernels
- Kosher salt to taste
- Toppings such as bacon bits, shredded cheese, or chopped chives
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and black pepper, cook for another minute.
- Stir in vegetable broth and add diced potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- If you would like to thicken your chowder, mix the optional cornstarch into the half-and-half. Add corn kernels and half-and-half to the pot. Return to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Add salt to taste and adjust other seasonings as needed.
- Serve immediately with desired toppings.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment