Sweet Corn Chowder

Embrace the essence of summer with this heartwarming Sweet Corn Chowder. As you savor each spoonful, you’ll be transported to a world of sun-kissed fields and vibrant flavors. This recipe celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh corn, combining it with a medley of aromatic herbs and creamy accents. Drizzled with a touch of light cream and crowned with a dusting of paprika, this chowder is a bowl of comfort that captures the true essence of the season.

SERVES 4–6
PREP 10 MIN
COOK 30 MIN
FREEZE UP TO 1 MONTH
WITHOUT MILK OR CREAM CHEESE

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 fresh ears of corn
• 2 cups water
• Sea salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 fresh sage leaves, chopped, or 1⁄2 tsp dried sage, crushed
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, or 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 large potato, chopped
• 7oz (200g) cream cheese
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Light cream, to serve
• Dusting of paprika, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. To begin, stand each fresh ear of corn upright in a large bowl. Carefully strip the kernels by cutting downward with a sharp knife. Set aside the harvested corn kernels, as they are the star of this chowder. In a large saucepan, place the corn cobs, and add water, a generous pinch of sea salt, and the fragrant bay leaves. Allow this combination to come to a gentle boil, then let it simmer, covered, for approximately 15 minutes. After simmering, remove and discard the corn cobs and bay leaves, as their essence has infused into the stock.
2. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over a medium flame. Add the chopped onions, and sauté them until they become beautifully translucent. Introduce the fresh sage leaves, thyme, chopped carrot, celery ribs, and potato to the sautéed onions. Continue cooking this aromatic mixture for around 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and their flavors have started to meld.
3. Pour the corn cob-infused stock into the sautéed vegetable mixture, and allow it to simmer gently until the potato chunks have softened to perfection. Meanwhile, place the reserved corn kernels in a separate saucepan, barely covering them with cold water. Bring this to a boil, and cook the kernels for a mere 2 minutes. Once they are slightly tender, set them aside.
4. It’s time to add rich creaminess to the chowder. Incorporate the cream cheese and milk into the soup mixture, infusing it with velvety texture and depth of flavor. Carefully transfer the chowder to a blender or food processor, and blend until a luxuriously smooth consistency is achieved. Stir in the tender corn kernels, along with their cooking liquid, enriching the chowder with bursts of sweetness.
5. For a final touch of culinary finesse, you have the option to blend the chowder one more time, creating a subtle interplay of textures by slightly breaking up some of the corn kernels.
6. Reheat the chowder gently, ensuring its luscious flavors are preserved. As it warms, season the chowder with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
7. To serve, ladle the Sweet Corn Chowder into warm, welcoming bowls. As a finishing touch, embellish each bowl with artistic streaks of light cream, creating a captivating visual contrast against the golden-hued chowder.
8. Elevate the presentation by bestowing a gentle dusting of paprika over the top of each bowl. The paprika not only adds a touch of warmth but also lends a visually captivating element to the dish.
9. With the final flourish complete, your Sweet Corn Chowder is ready to delight the senses. Allow yourself to be enveloped in the comforting flavors of fresh corn, aromatic herbs, and creamy indulgence.

Sweet Corn Chowder invites you to savor the simple joys of the season, capturing the essence of sun-ripened cornfields and the warmth of summer days. As you relish the delightful combination of fresh corn, fragrant herbs, and creamy richness, you’ll be transported to a world where flavors are as abundant as the harvest itself. The drizzle of light cream and the whisper of paprika offer both a visual and flavorful crescendo, transforming each bowl into a masterpiece of taste and aesthetics. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal or an appetizing starter, this chowder is a timeless celebration of nature’s bounty and the culinary pleasures it brings.