Pantry Corn and Chili Chowder

inAmerican Recipes, Dinner Recipes, Halfway Homemade Recipes, Recipes, Soup & Stew Recipes, Vegan Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes
  • YIELDS | 4 SERVINGS
  • PREP TIME | 10 MINS
  • COOK TIME | 30 MINS

This chowder whips up in a jiffy thanks to the use of a few pantry staples. It is warm and satisfying with a little kick from the chiles. The vegan version is just as soul-satisfying too!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter or vegan butter
  • 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped, about 10-12 small
  • medium to large yellow onion, chopped, 1-2 cup
  • 2 5-ounce cans, drained, sweet corn kernels
  • 2 5-ounce cans hot, diced green chiles, undrained
  • 5-ounce can mild, diced green chiles, undrained
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 cup half-and-half or favorite plant-based milk
  • 1/2 cup mild cheddar or Colby cheese, grated, or vegan cheese, plus additional for garnish, optional
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh chives, about 5 sprigs, for garnish, optional
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter or vegan alternative in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the potatoes, onion, and a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables start to soften, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add corn and chiles. Stir to mix and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the stock, bringing the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Add Kosher salt and black pepper to taste or about 1/2 tsp each.
  5. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Pierce the potatoes with a fork to be sure the potatoes are tender.
  6. Turn the stove off and pour in the half-and-half or plant based milk of choice plus the cheese, and simmer until warmed through. Sprinkle with Kosher salt to taste and a few good cranks of freshly ground pepper.
  7. Let the chowder cool for about 10 minutes.
  8. Use a stick (immersion) blender and purée until still slightly chunky, about 10-12 pulses. Or using a high-speed blender, carefully pour the mixture in batches (it will still be hot) and blend for 10-20 seconds and pop back into the pot.
  9. Divide chowder between 4 bowls or serve family style. Top with additional cheese and chives.