Vegan Corn Chowder

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that will warm your heart and fill your belly, this Vegan Corn Chowder is just the ticket! It’s creamy, hearty, and made with wholesome ingredients like potatoes and fresh corn. This soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious yet easy to whip up, or for family gatherings where everyone can gather around a big bowl of warmth. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a favorite in your home!

Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a craving for something delightful, this Vegan Corn Chowder never disappoints. Plus, it’s so simple to make that even beginner cooks can impress their loved ones with its rich flavors and creamy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of sweet corn and creamy goodness makes it appealing to both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This chowder stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome veggies and healthy fats, it’s not only comforting but also good for you!
• Versatile Flavor: Enjoy it as an appetizer or main course; this chowder fits any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Vegan Corn Chowder is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chowder Base

• 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

For the Veggies

• 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 its flexibility! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition!
• Make it Spicy: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a kick of heat.
• Creamy Alternative: Use cashew cream instead of coconut cream for a different flavor twist.
• Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end for a burst of freshness.

How to Make Vegan Corn Chowder

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Start by slicing the corn off the cob. Stand the corn cobs upright in a bowl and carefully cut downwards to remove the kernels. This method helps capture any juices that escape! After slicing off all the kernels, break the cobs in half and set them aside with your freshly cut corn.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, melt your vegan butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they soften—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Cooking them until they’re tender brings out their natural sweetness and forms a fantastic base for your chowder.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Once your onions are nice and soft, stir in crushed garlic and dried thyme. Sauté everything together for another minute until fragrant; this step adds depth to your soup that will keep everyone guessing at those delicious flavors!

Step 4: Create the Base

Next up! Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while continuously stirring—it helps thicken our chowder perfectly. Gradually whisk in vegetable stock along with light coconut milk and coconut cream until smooth. This dreamy mixture creates that creamy texture we all love!

Step 5: Cook the Potatoes

Now it’s time to add those cubed potatoes along with bay leaves and empty corn cobs into your pot. Bringing everything to a gentle simmer allows those flavors to meld beautifully while softening up those potatoes—let it cook covered for about 25 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

After cooking time is up, carefully remove those corn cobs and bay leaf from your pot. Add in your fresh corn kernels and let them cook for another 5 minutes—this keeps their sweet crunch intact! Finally, stir in chopped green onions along with salt and black pepper according to your taste.

Step 7: Serve Up!

Ladle generous portions into bowls and top each serving with more chopped green onions plus extra black pepper if desired. Enjoy every spoonful of this heartwarming Vegan Corn Chowder!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Corn Chowder

When you’re ready to whip up this delicious vegan corn chowder, keep these simple tips in mind to make it even more satisfying!

• Use fresh corn for sweetness: Fresh corn on the cob adds a natural sweetness and crunch that frozen or canned varieties can’t quite match. If you can find it, go for the freshest corn available!
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices like smoked paprika or cumin for an extra depth of flavor. These spices can enhance the overall taste and make your chowder unique.
• Adjust thickness to your liking: If you prefer a thicker chowder, blend a portion of the soup after cooking and then stir it back into the pot. This gives a creamy texture without relying solely on coconut milk.
• Make it ahead of time: This chowder tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge to let the flavors meld together for an even richer experience.
• Add protein with legumes: For added nutrition, consider tossing in some cooked chickpeas or white beans. This not only boosts protein but also makes the chowder more filling.

How to Serve Vegan Corn Chowder

Serving vegan corn chowder is all about presentation and pairing! With its creamy texture and vibrant colors, you can easily turn this dish into a cozy centerpiece.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro brightens up the dish and adds freshness.
• Crispy tortilla strips: For some crunch, top your chowder with crispy tortilla strips for a delightful contrast in texture.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado slices provide richness and balance out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your chowder, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich chowder beautifully, adding freshness to your meal.
• Grilled vegetables: Roasted or grilled seasonal vegetables bring a smoky element that pairs well with the sweetness of the corn.
• Cornbread: Sweet, fluffy cornbread is a classic accompaniment that enhances the comforting nature of corn chowder while adding another layer of flavor.

Enjoy creating this delightful vegan corn chowder experience! Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it on a quiet night in, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to every table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This vegan corn chowder is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making your lunch or dinner plans effortless.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Portion the chowder into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water if needed to thin it out.
• Stir often until heated through, usually about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have:

Can I make Vegan Corn Chowder ahead of time?

Absolutely! This vegan corn chowder stores well and tastes even better after the flavors meld together. Just follow the storage tips above!

What can I serve with Vegan Corn Chowder?

This delightful chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even grilled vegetables for a complete meal!

How long does Vegan Corn Chowder last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, it can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen in this recipe?

Yes! Fresh corn is actually wonderful in this vegan corn chowder. Just be sure to slice it off the cob before adding it into your pot.

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.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this creamy and comforting vegan corn chowder as much as I do! It’s a dish that warms not only your belly but also your heart. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or sharing it with friends and family, this chowder is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every spoonful!