Are you ready for a warm hug in a bowl? This Corn Chowder Soup is super easy to make and absolutely delicious! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients Needed for Corn Chowder Soup
Making Corn Chowder Soup is super easy and fun! To get started, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen or can find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup:
- Bacon: About 2 slices, chopped. This adds a lovely smoky flavor!
- Oil or Butter: 1 teaspoon to get things sizzling in the pot.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic makes everything taste better, right?
- Creamed Corn: One 400g (14oz) can. This is the star of our show!
- Corn Kernels: One 400g (14oz) can, drained. More corn means more yum!
- Chicken Stock/Broth: 400ml (1 2/3 cups) to add some depth to the flavors.
- Milk: 200ml (3/4 cup). It gives the soup that creamy goodness we all love!
- Potato: Just one, diced. This adds heartiness to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, because we all need a little seasoning!
- Green Onion: For garnish, finely sliced. It adds a nice crunch and color.
- Cornstarch: 1 1/2 tablespoons, mixed with some milk. This will thicken our soup, making it oh-so-creamy!
Now that you have everything ready, just imagine how easy it is to bring these ingredients together! Each one adds its own unique flavor. You’ll find that the combination is a match made in heaven. Trust me, once you get making this Corn Chowder Soup, you’ll want to share it with everyone. Who wouldn’t love a warm bowl of deliciousness? Let’s gather those ingredients and get ready for some soup magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Soup
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this amazing Corn Chowder Soup! It’s super simple and quick, so don’t worry if you’re not a chef. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious soup in no time!
- Cook the Bacon: Start by adding 1 teaspoon of oil or butter to your pot. Next, toss in the chopped bacon. Cook it over medium-high heat until it’s golden and crispy. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Oh, the smell will be irresistible!
- Add Garlic: Once your bacon is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside for later. Now, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the leftover bacon fat. Stir it around for about 20 seconds. This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
- Mix in the Corn: Next, pour in the creamed corn and corn kernels from the cans. Don’t forget to add the chicken stock and milk. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for a few minutes. The corn will start to bubble, and it will look fantastic!
- Add Potato: Grab your diced potato and throw it into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes until the potato is just tender. This adds a hearty touch that’s truly comforting!
- Thicken the Soup: In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into your chowder, stirring well. Cook it for another minute until it thickens up beautifully.
- Serve it Up: Finally, ladle your hot Corn Chowder into bowls, sprinkle with crispy bacon and green onions, and dig in!
And there you have it! Your Corn Chowder Soup is ready to enjoy. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick meal. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Customizing Your Corn Chowder: Variations and Tips
One of the best parts about making Corn Chowder Soup is how flexible it can be! You can easily switch things up based on what you have in your pantry or your personal taste. Let’s explore some fun ways to customize this soup and make it uniquely yours!
1. Go Vegetarian
Want to make your chowder veggie-friendly? Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You won’t lose any flavor, and it still tastes amazing!
2. Switch Up the Protein
No bacon in the fridge? No problem! Here are some tasty alternatives:
- Ham: This is a wonderful substitute if you have it on hand. Just chop it up and add it in the same way as bacon.
- Chicken: For a heartier dish, add 1/2 cup of water and a chicken breast early in the cooking process. Shred it after cooking, then mix it back into the soup.
- Salmon: If you’re feeling fancy, bake seasoned salmon and flake it over your soup just before serving. It adds a gourmet touch!
3. Load Up on Veggies
If you want to sneak in more nutrition, throw in some additional diced vegetables! I love sautéing onions, bell peppers, or even carrots in the bacon fat before adding the corn. These veggies bring extra flavor and color to your chowder!
4. Give it a Creamy Twist
For an even creamier chowder, try stirring in a little heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. Your soup will feel like a warm hug on a chilly day!
5. Spice it Up
If you like a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce! This will give your chowder a little zing and keep things exciting!
With these customization ideas, you can create your perfect Corn Chowder Soup every time! It’s all about mixing things up to fit your taste and what you have available. So, have fun experimenting in the kitchen! Who knows? You might just discover a new favorite version of this classic dish!
Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions
Now that we’ve whipped up this delightful Corn Chowder Soup, let’s talk about what makes it not only tasty but also a bit nutritious! Knowing the nutritional facts can help you feel good about what you’re eating, and I always love to add a little extra inspiration for serving!
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s a general idea of the nutrition you can expect per serving, assuming you have about three servings from the recipe:
- Calories: 441
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 13g
- Sodium: 1390mg
- Potassium: 993mg
- Fiber: 6g
As you can see, this soup is quite filling, thanks to the potato and creamed corn. Plus, it packs a punch of flavor without needing to add a lot of unhealthy ingredients! Just remember, if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can swap out the chicken stock for a lower-sodium version.
Serving Suggestions
Now, how to serve this fantastic chowder? Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more special:
- Pair with Crusty Bread: Nothing beats a warm bowl of chowder with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. It’s a classic combo that never disappoints!
- Top with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro on top can brighten up the flavors and add a pop of color!
- Serve with a Salad: A light green salad on the side balances the richness of the chowder. Just toss some greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette!
- Make it a Meal: Don’t just stop at soup! Serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting, hearty dinner.
Cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so feel free to mix and match these serving ideas to make your Corn Chowder Soup experience even better! You’ll find that sharing this with family or friends makes it all the more delicious. Happy eating!