Corn and Cheese Chowder 🌽🧀
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe By: Chicago Sun-Times FOOD
Description:
This delightful Corn and Cheese Chowder is a celebration of fresh corn flavors, balanced with the rich creaminess of cheddar cheese. 🌽🧀 Perfect as a comforting meal on its own or paired with a crisp salad and some crusty bread, it’s a dish that embodies warmth and satisfaction. Dive into this easy-to-make chowder and indulge in the hearty goodness!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | strips bacon |
| 1 | tablespoon butter |
| 1 | red bell pepper, diced |
| 1 | onion, diced |
| 2 | teaspoons cumin |
| 2 cups | chicken broth |
| 3 | yukon gold potatoes, diced |
| 1/8 tsp | white pepper |
| 1/2 cup | heavy cream |
| 2 cups | fresh corn kernels |
| 2 cups | shredded cheddar cheese |
| to taste | salt |
Instructions:
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Fry Bacon: Begin by frying the bacon in a large pot until it becomes crisp and deliciously golden brown. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot, crumble it into pieces, and set it aside. Remember to reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pot for added flavor. 🥓
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Saute Veggies: In the same pot with the bacon grease, add the butter, diced red bell pepper, and onion. 🌶️🧅 Saute these aromatic ingredients together until they become beautifully softened, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. As they cook, sprinkle in the cumin, allowing its warm, earthy aroma to fill the kitchen. Stir everything well to combine and let the flavors mingle.
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Simmer Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced yukon gold potatoes to the pot. Season with white pepper for that subtle kick of heat. 🥔🌶️ Let everything simmer together until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. This usually takes around 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a delightful harmony.
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Add Cream and Corn: Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to add in the creamy goodness! Pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to swirl into the broth and create a luscious base for the chowder. Then, add the fresh corn kernels, their sweetness enhancing the soup’s overall flavor profile. 🌽✨ Bring the chowder to a gentle boil, letting all the ingredients come together in a symphony of taste and texture.
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Melt in Cheese: Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently as it melts into the chowder. The cheese adds a rich, creamy dimension that elevates every spoonful. Taste the chowder and season with salt as needed, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle this velvety Corn and Cheese Chowder into bowls, each serving brimming with the goodness of fresh ingredients and comforting warmth. 🥣✨ Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top for that irresistible crunch and savory finish.
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Garnish and Presentation: For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives. Serve alongside some crusty bread for dipping or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. 🥖🥗 Let the flavors of this hearty chowder delight your taste buds and warm your soul!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 794.7
- Total Fat: 51.8g
- Saturated Fat: 29.8g
- Cholesterol: 150.9mg
- Sodium: 1564mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 53.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 6.3g
- Sugar: 8.3g
- Protein: 33.5g
Recipe Notes:
- If fresh corn is not available, you can use frozen corn kernels as a convenient alternative. Simply thaw them before adding to the chowder.
- This Corn and Cheese Chowder can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Try adding diced cooked chicken for extra protein or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a touch of smokiness.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The chowder will still be wonderfully flavorful and satisfying!
So there you have it – a comforting, flavorful Corn and Cheese Chowder that’s sure to become a family favorite! Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening indoors or shared with friends at a gathering, this delicious soup is a true celebration of seasonal ingredients and hearty flavors. 🌽🧀 Enjoy every spoonful of this creamy, cheesy delight!
