Vegan Corn Chowder

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting dish to warm your heart, this Vegan Corn Chowder is just what you need! It’s creamy, hearty, and so satisfying—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. This chowder has been a family favorite for years, and it always brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or making it the star of your main course, this chowder is versatile enough to please any crowd. Plus, it’s made with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about, making it ideal for family gatherings or just a quiet night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet corn flavor, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This chowder stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Creamy Without Dairy: Thanks to coconut milk and cream, you get all the creaminess without any animal products.
• Customizable: Feel free to make it your own with different herbs or vegetables!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that this Vegan Corn Chowder uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 best things about this Vegan Corn Chowder is how versatile it is! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Some Spice: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Mix Up the Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
• Herb It Up: Swap dried thyme for fresh herbs like dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Chunky: If you prefer more texture, reserve some corn before blending and add it back in at the end.

How to Make Vegan Corn Chowder

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Start by slicing the corn off the cob. Stand each corn cob in a bowl and carefully slice downwards to remove the kernels. Breaking the cobs in half will help release more flavor later. Set aside both your fresh corn and empty cobs; they’ll play an important role in building that rich chowder flavor!

Step 2: Sauté Onions

In a large pot, melt your vegan butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and sauté until they soften up beautifully—this should take about 5 minutes. This step is essential because cooking onions helps enhance their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Aromatics Time!

Once your onions are soft and fragrant, stir in your crushed garlic and dried thyme. Let them cook together for another minute; this will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that signal good things are coming!

Step 4: Create Your Base

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion mixture and stir well to combine. Gradually whisk in vegetable stock, light coconut milk, and coconut cream until everything is smooth. This base will give our chowder its creamy texture.

Step 5: Add Potatoes & Cobs

Toss in your cubed potatoes along with those empty corn cobs from earlier and drop in that bay leaf too. The cobs will help infuse even more corn flavor into your soup as it simmers away—trust me on this one!

Step 6: Simmer Away!

Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then cover your pot. Let it cook for about 25 minutes until those potatoes are tender. This is where all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Remove those empty corn cobs and bay leaf from your pot—they’ve done their job! Now stir in that fresh corn we set aside earlier. Let it cook for another 5 minutes so everything gets nice and hot.

Step 8: Season & Serve

Finally, mix in your chopped green onions along with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it one last stir before serving! I love topping mine with extra green onions and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flair.

And there you have it—a heartwarming bowl of Vegan Corn Chowder that’s bound to become a new favorite! Enjoy every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Corn Chowder

Creating the perfect vegan corn chowder is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious outcome!

• Use Fresh Corn When Possible: Fresh corn adds a sweet, juicy flavor that really elevates the soup. If you can get your hands on fresh corn on the cob, go for it! Just make sure to slice it off right before cooking to capture its freshness.

• Sauté Onions Well: Cooking the onions until they’re softened and slightly caramelized brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the chowder. Don’t rush this step; let them cook until they’re just right!

• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices in this recipe. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can give your chowder an extra layer of flavor.

• Blend for Creaminess: For an even creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the chowder using an immersion blender or transferring part of it to a blender and then returning it to the pot. This gives you that velvety smoothness while still keeping some chunky bits for texture.

• Let It Rest: Allowing your chowder to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully. If you have time, let it cool slightly before serving; it’ll taste even better!

How to Serve Vegan Corn Chowder

Serving your vegan corn chowder can be as simple or as fancy as you like! Here are some ideas to make it visually appealing and delicious.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
• Croutons: Add crunchy croutons for texture. They contrast nicely with the creamy soup and add a delightful crunch with each spoonful.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the flavor profile and add a touch of richness.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread makes for an irresistible side. It’s perfect for dipping into your chowder and soaking up every last drop.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chowder.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers bring additional nutrients and complement the flavors in your chowder beautifully.
• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are great companions to this dish. Their slightly sweet flavor balances out the savory notes of the chowder perfectly.

Now you’re ready to dig into this comforting bowl of goodness! Enjoy every spoonful of your vegan corn chowder, knowing that it’s packed with love and flavor. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Corn Chowder is perfect for meal prep! It not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when enjoyed later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to label your container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing

• Portion the chowder into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Leave some space at the top of each container as the chowder will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat on the stovetop, pour into a pot and warm over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• If using a microwave, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the chowder thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make vegan corn chowder with frozen corn?

Absolutely! Frozen corn works perfectly in this recipe. Use about 4.5 cups (738g) instead of fresh corn.

How long does vegan corn chowder last in the fridge?

This Vegan Corn Chowder can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent meal prep option!

Can I use other vegetables in vegan corn chowder?

Yes! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is vegan corn chowder gluten-free?

You can easily make this chowder gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

What can I serve with vegan corn chowder?

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Vegan Corn Chowder as much as I do! It’s not just a comforting dish; it’s also versatile and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends. Remember that cooking should be fun and creative—feel free to add your own twist! Happy cooking!