Corn chowder is a hearty and comforting soup made with fresh corn, vegetables, and sometimes bacon or ham. It’s a popular dish in American cuisine, particularly in the northeastern United States. The history of corn chowder dates back to Native American and early colonial times when corn was a staple crop.
Here’s a recipe for Corn Chowder along with its ingredients, instructions, and preparation time:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4-5 ears of corn)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3-4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk or heavy cream
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Recipe Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to create a roux. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the diced potatoes and corn kernels to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Pour in the milk or heavy cream and stir to combine. If using heavy cream, be careful not to let the chowder boil vigorously to prevent curdling.
- Season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste. If using bacon, crumble it and add it to the chowder for extra flavor.
- Let the chowder simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve the corn chowder hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Preparation Time:
- The preparation time for this corn chowder recipe is approximately 45 minutes.
Corn chowder is a versatile dish, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fresh corn and create a comforting meal, especially during the cooler months.
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for a typical serving of Corn Chowder:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: Around 250-300 calories
- Total Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: About 5-8 grams
- Cholesterol: Around 20-30 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 600-800 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: About 30-40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Around 3-5 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 6-8 grams
- Protein: About 8-10 grams
Health Information:
- Corn: Corn is a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, providing energy and promoting healthy digestion.
- Vegetables: The vegetables in corn chowder, such as onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes, contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Milk or Cream: Depending on whether you use milk or heavy cream, the chowder can provide calcium and some healthy fats. Heavy cream is higher in saturated fats and calories.
- Bacon: If using bacon, it adds flavor but also increases the sodium and saturated fat content of the dish.
- Broth: The choice of broth (chicken or vegetable) affects the overall sodium content of the chowder.
- Moderation: Corn chowder can be nutrient-rich, but it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its calorie, fat, and sodium content.
- Customization: You can make the chowder healthier by using low-fat milk, lean meats, and incorporating more vegetables.
- Portion Size: Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
Remember that nutrition values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. If you’re looking to make a healthier version, consider using lower-fat dairy options, reducing added salt, and increasing the proportion of vegetables to create a more nutrient-dense dish.
