Vegan Corn Chowder

If you’re looking for a comforting soup that warms the soul and is bursting with flavor, this Vegan Corn Chowder is just the ticket! It’s creamy, hearty, and made with wholesome ingredients like potatoes and fresh corn. This recipe has been a favorite in my home for years, bringing smiles to family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners alike. The best part? You can whip it up in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy days when you still want something delicious on the table.

This chowder is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. Serve it as an appetizer or make it the star of your meal. Trust me, once you try this Vegan Corn Chowder, it will quickly become a go-to recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a pot full of goodness ready to serve.
• Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this creamy delight!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare this chowder ahead of time and reheat it for an easy weeknight dinner.
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of sweet corn and creamy texture makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful Vegan Corn Chowder, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. These ingredients come together to create a rich and satisfying bowl of soup that’s sure to please everyone.

For the Chowder

• 5 Corn on the Cob (or 4.5 cups (738g) Frozen Corn or Canned Corn, Drained)
• 3 Tablespoons Vegan Butter
• 1 Medium Onion (White, Yellow or Brown, Chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Crushed Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour (63g)
• 2 cups Vegetable Stock (480ml)
• 28 ounces Canned Light Coconut Milk (800ml, 2 cans) Unsweetened
• 14 ounces Canned Coconut Cream (400ml, 1 can) Unsweetened
• 2 Large Potatoes (1.2 pounds / 600g) peeled and cubed
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 3/4 cup Green Onions (Chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• Black Pepper to taste

Variations

One of the great things about this Vegan Corn Chowder is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Add some spice: Throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a kick.
• Mix in more veggies: Feel free to add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it smoky: A dash of smoked paprika can add a delightful depth to the chowder.
• Top it off: Enhance your serving with avocado slices or fresh herbs like cilantro for added freshness.

How to Make Vegan Corn Chowder

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Start by slicing the corn off the cob. Stand each cob in a bowl and carefully cut downwards to release those sweet kernels. Breaking the cobs in half makes them easier to manage later on. Set aside both your fresh corn and the empty cobs; they’ll add wonderful flavor!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and sauté until they soften. This step is crucial as sautéing onions releases their natural sweetness, forming a delicious base for your chowder.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Thyme

Once your onions are looking good, stir in the crushed garlic and dried thyme. Sauté them together for another minute so that those fragrant aromas fill your kitchen—there’s nothing quite like it!

Step 4: Create Your Base

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while stirring constantly to avoid clumps. Gradually pour in vegetable stock, light coconut milk, and coconut cream while whisking until smooth. This creamy mixture is what makes our chowder rich and luscious!

Step 5: Add Potatoes & Cobs

Next up are those cubed potatoes! Toss them into the pot along with as many empty corn cobs as you can fit comfortably—these will simmer away, infusing even more flavor into your chowder. Don’t forget that bay leaf too; it adds an aromatic touch.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Bring everything to a gentle simmer before covering your pot. Let it cook for about 25 minutes until your potatoes are soft and tender—perfectly ready for eating!

Step 7: Finish It Off

Remove those corn cobs and bay leaf from your pot—your soup is almost done! Stir in the fresh corn kernels and let them cook for another five minutes. Now sprinkle in chopped green onions along with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle out generous portions of your Vegan Corn Chowder into bowls. Top each serving with extra chopped green onions and maybe even another sprinkle of black pepper for good measure! Enjoy every comforting spoonful—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Corn Chowder

Making a delicious vegan corn chowder is easy with a few handy tips that can elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use Fresh Corn When Possible: Fresh corn adds a sweetness and crunch that frozen or canned corn might not provide. If you can, opt for fresh cobs for that delightful burst of flavor.

• Don’t Skip the Bay Leaf: Adding a bay leaf while cooking infuses the soup with a subtle depth of flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving!

• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker chowder, blend a portion of the soup until smooth and stir it back in. This creates a creamy texture without extra ingredients.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. These spices can complement the sweetness of the corn wonderfully.

• Store Leftovers Properly: To keep your chowder fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days, and reheating on the stove will bring it back to life!

How to Serve Vegan Corn Chowder

Serving your vegan corn chowder can be as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting bowl of goodness beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for an added burst of freshness and color.
• Crispy Tortilla Strips: Add some crunchy tortilla strips for texture contrast and a fun twist.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices elevate the chowder’s richness and add healthy fats.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your chowder, making every bite even more satisfying.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chowder, offering a light counterpart.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery garlic breadsticks are always a hit and make a wonderful pairing with any soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrients, enhancing your meal’s overall wholesomeness.

Enjoy sharing this delicious vegan corn chowder with friends and family, knowing that it’s not only comforting but also packed with flavors everyone will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Corn Chowder is a fantastic option for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chowder to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the chowder cool entirely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the chowder in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Vegan Corn Chowder:

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn for Vegan Corn Chowder?

Absolutely! Frozen corn works beautifully in this recipe. Just add it in during the last cooking stage as you would with fresh corn.

How long does Vegan Corn Chowder last in the fridge?

Vegan Corn Chowder can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when kept in an airtight container.

Is it possible to make this Vegan Corn Chowder gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the chowder without gluten.

Can I add other vegetables to my Vegan Corn Chowder?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your chowder by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this comforting Vegan Corn Chowder as much as I do! It’s a delightful dish that warms the heart and is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep staple, this chowder will surely bring smiles around your table. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!