Corn Chowder

Don’t we all crave this time of year? Not only do we get those relaxing beach days, backyard cookouts, and weekend hikes to soak up that summer sun but it also means getting some of the best food of the year while all the fresh produce is in season.

It’s that time of year where you’ll find fresh corn on the cob galore, especially if you’re in the U.S. near the plethora of local growers. If you’re like us you’re likely eating it multiple times throughout the week and looking for more ways to use it and this corn chowder is one of the best ways to put it to good use!

It has everything you’d want in a corn chowder and then some. Nothing fancy, just tasty homestyle comfort food at its best!

You’ll love the rich and creamy texture paired with the tender crispness of corn in every bite.

What is Corn Stock?
We love that Walmart carries fresh, locally grown corn* which will give you the best flavored corn stock. Allowing the stripped cobs to simmer with the broth, cream and milk, draws out every bit of rich and sweet flavor from the corn. To save time, set the corn broth to cook at the same time you are making the chowder.

What if Corn is not In Season?
For Winter Corn Chowder: Use (1) 15 oz can corn and (1) 15 oz can creamed corn. Add the liquid ingredients at step 3 without pre-cooking them. The liquid from the canned corn will add a boost of corn flavor.

INGREDIENTS

• 8 slices bacon, diced
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups water
• 8 ears yellow sweet corn (husks and silks removed)
• 1 lb. yukon gold or baby red potatoes , sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
• handful of chopped fresh chives

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Slice corn kernels off the cob and set aside.  Take each ear of corn and hold it over a bowl.  Use either the back of your knife or a spoon and scrape any remaining pulp and juice from the cobs.
2. Cook bacon pieces in large heavy bottomed pot (like a dutch oven) over MED heat.  Cook about 5-8 minutes, or until bacon is crisp.  Use a slotted spoon to remove to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
3. Use a clean paper towel to absorb some of the bacon grease, reserving about 1 Tbsp of grease in the pot.  Add butter and melt over MED heat.
4. Add diced onions and cook about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.  Add garlic and flour and cook about 1 minute, stirring often.
5. While whisking, pour in water and increase heat to MED-HIGH.  Add in corn, potatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper.  Stir and bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to MED-LOW and simmer.
6. Simmer, stirring every so often, for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender.
7. Use an immersion blender to blend about half the soup until smooth.  Alternatively, remove about 3 cups of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.  Stir the blended soup back into the pot.
8. Add in half and half, reserved corn juice, and about half the chives.  Stir in and heat through.
9. Serve sprinkled with remaining chives and cooked bacon pieces, if desired.

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