This creamy corn and vegetable chowder is powered up with lots of veggies and replaces the traditional milk or cream with coconut milk so it's vegan! Make a big batch and store some in the freezer to enjoy any time! You won't regret it.
Corn chowder is a late summer favourite. This version is a step up with lots of extra veggies, coconut milk, fresh basil, cilantro and a touch of chili powder to brighten things up.
Jump to:
Ingredients you will need
- Corn...of course! - Fresh or frozen
- Onion - White, Spanish, Vidalia, or yellow onions.
- Carrot
- Celery
- Red bell pepper - or any colour you like
- Jalapeno pepper - include the seeds if you want the heat!
- Zucchini - or summer squash
- Vegetable stock
- Coconut milk
- Oil for frying - I used coconut
- Garlic
- Chili powder
- Fresh basil
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper
How to remove corn kernels from the cob
When corn is in season there's nothing like it! Removing the kernals can be a bit messy but is always well worth it. Peel the husks into the sink or do it outside to make for easy clean up. Cut the cobs in half so you have a nice flat surface to stabilize it while cutting off the kernels. Cut as close to the core as possible to remove as much of the kernel as possible.
During corn season I like to buy an extra dozen, remove the kernels and freeze them so I have fresh tasting, sweet corn even in the dead of winter!
How to make this recipe
- Remove corn kernels from cobs and set aside.
- Chop the onion, carrot, celery, red and jalapeno peppers into a small dice.
- Chop cilantro and basil.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot and celery and saute until onion is soft.
- Add zucchini, red pepper, jalapenos, corn, garlic, chili powder, salt and pepper.
- Saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Add stock and coconut milk. If you prefer a thicker soup add only part of the stock and add more after pureeing as needed.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Partially puree with a hand blender or remove 1-2 cups and blend in a blender or food processor. If you don't have a hand blender but are thinking of getting one this is the one I recommend - KitchenAid Immersion Blender
- Add fresh herbs and juice of one lime. Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Also add more lime juice according to your own taste.
- The soup may seem thin but will thicken as it sits.
Optional additions and substitutions
- Hot sauce if you like it spicy.
- Leafy greens like chopped spinach, kale, chard or collards.
- Garnish with pickled jalapenos or chopped Chipotle peppers.
- Use milk or cream instead of coconut milk.
- Use chicken stock instead of veggie stock.
- Use frozen corn instead of fresh
How to add protein to this soup
Beans - In step 5 add about 1 ½ cups cooked beans or lentils, or one can drained and rinsed well. Increase simmering time in step 6 to 10 minutes or until beans are warmed through.
Cooked shrimp - would make an elegant addition to this soup. Leave them whole for a beautiful presentation or chop them up into bite sized pieces. Add the shrimp after blending the soup or leave the soup unblended.
Shredded cooked chicken - leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken would make a perfect addition. Add in step 5 and heat until warmed through.
How to store it?
This soup will keep in the fridge for one week. Store in the freezer for 6 months. Nothing beats warm, fresh tasting corn chowder on a cold winter day!
Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and/or a comment below. You can also follow me on social media here on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Want to say thank you?Other corn recipes for you to enjoy
- CORN SALAD WITH CREAMY DILL DRESSING
- GRILLED SHRIMP WITH COCONUT CREAMED CORN
- SUMMER SUCCOTASH
- MINI BELL PEPPER NACHOS WITH BLACK BEANS AND CORN
📖 Recipe
Creamy Corn and Vegetable Chowder
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn or 4 cups frozen and thawed
- 1 large white onion, diced small
- 1 medium carrot, diced small
- 1 medium celery stalk, diced small
- 1 medium zucchini, diced small
- 1 red bell pepper, diced small
- 2 jalapeno peppers, diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (avocado or olive works too)
- 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 can full fat coconut milk (400 ml/13.5oz)
- 1 lime juice of
- extra salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove corn kernels from cobs. Set aside.
- Chop all the vegetables, garlic and herbs.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrot and celery. Saute for 7-8 minutes or until onion is soft.
- Add corn, zucchini, red pepper, jalapeno, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper, Saute for another 2 minutes.
- Add stock and coconut milk. If you prefer a thicker soup, reserve 1 cup of stock and add later if necessary.
- Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and partially puree with a hand blender or remove 2 cups and puree with a blender or food processor and add back to the pot.
- Stir in basil and cilantro and squeeze in lime juice. Taste and add more salt, pepper or lime juice as needed.
- The soup may seem thin but it will thicken as it sits. If you reserved a cup of stock you can add it in or leave it out.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for 6 months.
- Garnish with pickled jalapenos and fresh cilantro.
- Add hot sauce to make it spicy.
- If using milk or cream instead of coconut milk add it at the end after you have taken it off the heat. If you boil the milk or cream (unless it's heavy cream) it can split.
Ava says
This soup is delicious. Can I freeze it? Will it freeze well?
Andrea says
Yes you absolutely can freeze this soup. I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Sue Cratchley says
Seriously Andrea I have made this for dinner today Followed your recipe completely. Amazing we love your recipes. Thanks again you’re great!
Andrea says
Thank you so much Sue! What a lovely compliment and I'm so happy you enjoyed the soup. Thanks so much for coming back to leave a review!
Karen Lalonde says
Andrea. Just tried this and didn’t change a thing. As usual, my husband loved it. Anything from Andrea is 👏. Awesome
Andrea says
Thanks so much for the wonderful comment Karen! So happy you both enjoyed the soup!
Ruth D says
I love corn chowder and this is by far the best I’ve had! I love the flavour and warmth of the jalapeño.
One of many favourites from My Pocket Kitchen.
Terry C says
This is the second I’ve made this and it is absolutely delicious! I added kale and grilled shrimp to give it more protein and greens. Definitely recommend this one!
Andrea says
Delicious additions! I'm so happy you enjoy it Terry and thanks for commenting 🤗
Cathy says
Made this last night and it’s a hit! I puréed cannellini beans for a bit of protein…so yummy!
Aline larochelle says
Beautiful creamy and spicy soup perfect for a snowy spring day. Will definitely make it again. Aline
Lisa Hudson says
This is the best, most flavourful soup I have ever made! My husband and I are addicted to it and it has become a weekly dinner in our house.
Andrea says
I'm so happy you and your husband are enjoying the soup Lisa! Thanks so much for commenting!
Bev says
Just made this and it is great! I did add some pureed white beans just for a bit of protein. Will definitely make again! Thank you.
Andrea says
Great idea! So happy you enjoyed it!
Terry Collins says
Just made this and it’s absolutely delicious! I’m following the Livy Method and I’m wondering what protein would you add and how?
Andrea says
Hi Terry! So happy you enjoyed it! Some shredded Cooked chicken or cooked shrimp would be nice in this soup. Or you can have it as a side to whatever protein you are having. Hemp hearts and pumpkin seeds on top are also nice. Hope that helps!
Deb says
Loved this recipe! Is it the jalapeno seeds that create the hotness?
Andrea says
Yes there will definitely be more heat if you leave the seeds in. Also if you have a particularity hit jalapeño that will do it! So happy you enjoyed it!
Donna says
Just made this on the weekend with fresh corn from our local famous family who grow the best! Synders Corn!
Soup was delicious. I added the seeds from both jalapeños and it really added a bite of heat. Will definitely be making this soup again.
Andrea says
Sounds like a winner! So happy you enjoyed it!
Bev Atkinson says
So yummy. I added extra basil, cilantro, spinach and Czech peppers. Added to the rotation.
Andrea says
Those sound like delicious additions! So happy you enjoyed it!
Kathy Angelatos says
This was super delicious Andrea…
I made it today can’t wait to make it again. Yum
Andrea says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Glenda says
Dammit - just made this today and downsizing starts tomorrow. Wow this is another winner. Don’t know how I can leave any in my bowl 🥴
Andrea says
Hi Glenda! I'm so happy you are enjoying it! You can face the challenge of downsizing! 💪
Angela B says
This soup is so delicious! If I am having it for my lunch what would be a good protein to mix in?
Andrea says
Hi Angela!
You could add some beans, chickpeas or edamame. Nuts and seeds are also good. If you eat meat some chopped ham or chicken. You can also have something on the side like a boiled egg. Hope that helps 😀
Diane says
Made this with ingredients I had, meaning: I didn’t have a zucchini, a lime, or full fat coconut milk (I used the Light I had on hand) and this was DELISH! I can’t wait to make it again with fresh corn, full fat coconut milk (cause really…why not?!), and follow this to the letter. I wouldn’t change a thing!
As for the overall recipe formats, etc., they’re awsesome--full of all possible information regarding each recipe + all kinds of add’l information, tips, how to’s, etc. Cudos to this Semi=Retired pastry chef! Thank you for the inspiration. (day 3 btw)
Andrea says
Hi Diane!
Thank you so much for saying! I'm so happy you are enjoying the recipes and I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
Kathy says
That was super easy and really tasty. Will definitely make that again.
Margaret Hartman says
Love this recipe! Definitely a warm soup for a cold wet day! Thank you for all your sharing you do with us Andrea!
Cathy Jackson says
No surprise. Another spectacular and delicious recipe from Andrea. So great with all Ontario veggies and herbs.
Martine Rutherford says
Hi Andrea,made your chowder soup was a hit we loved it ,weather was cool and going to -3 tonight in Beardmore .rated a 10,love your recipes
Andrea says
Thanks so much! So happy you enjoyed it!!
Katy says
Loved it. Made a triple batch so I had some to freeze, some to eat that night, and some for lunches the rest of the week. Definitely will make again. Andrea - in the narrative description part where you list ingredients you will need, you forgot to mention coconut milk. I had some in my pantry so it was fine, but others might use that list for shopping.
Andrea says
Hey Katy!
Thanks for catching that! It's been updated 👌
So happy you enjoyed the soup and had enough to freeze for later! 😀
Katy says
Made it again tonight. So so so good. I am sharing recipe with my vegan friends.
Jackie says
Forgot my rating!
Jackie says
Very tasty!!! Whole family enjoyed.
Birgitta says
Excellent recipe. Made this soup and the Curried Lentil Soup this morning. Both were very good and recipes were easy to follow. I did reduce Stock to 3 cups and blended approx. 2 cups o soup but my frozen corn gave off a lot of water so I would further decrease the stock (liquid) for next time. Very yummy!
Anouchka says
You're right - perfect soup for a winter's day/eve. Loved the balance between textures and flavours, & that it had both substance and lightness. Deeelicious!
Andrea says
So happy you enjoyed it!
Diane says
Delicious! So much flavour!
I was just introduced to this site this week. So far I have made 3 soups and 3 mains - all ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Andrea says
Oh I am so happy to hear! Welcome and glad you are enjoying everything!
Christine says
What vegetable would you recommend to replace zucchini? I have all the other ingredients and don't want to run out for one item.
Thank you!
Andrea says
You can just leave it out no problem! You can add a bit more of any of the other veggies if you want.
Dhanwantie says
Bravo!!! had it for dinner tonight with steam salmon on the side.I didn't have any vegetable stock so I used chicken.Thanks Andrea
Andrea says
Oh what a perfect accompaniment! And yes chicken stock works too! Happy you enjoyed it!
Laura Hernandez says
Hi! Made this soup last night. It smelled amazing and tasted great. I have a question though: how do I make it thicker? It’s just my preference for these kinds of soups. I may have done something wrong but I put in 3 cups of stock and one 15 Oz can of coconut milk. Did my can need to be bigger? I let it set but it didn’t thicken up. Any suggestions?
Laura Hernandez says
Oops! Forgot to rate the recipe. My bad. Totally 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!
Andrea says
He Laura!
Thanks for the comment and so happy you enjoyed the soup! So if you like it thicker you can either add some potato to it, which will thicken more when you puree it. OR you can add a couple tablespoons of flour to the vegetables before you add the stock and coconut milk. Sprinkle it over and then stir in and cook for a minute or two before adding the liquid. Hope that helps! 😃
Tamy says
LOVED ❤️❤️ IT!!!!!! It was a HUGE hit with the family (picky eaters included😉.). This is a keeper for sure!!!! Thank you Andrea for your delicious ideas!
Andrea says
So happy you enjoyed it! I have some in my freezer that I might pull out today 😊
Kayla Mannard says
Fantastic soup! I’m in fall weight loss by Gina 2020 and corn is literally my favorite food. I have very picky children and they ate this soup with me! (After adding a tad of cream to theirs) I’m amazed. Thank you so much for your recipes! I plan to try a couple more this week.
Andrea says
I'm so happy you and your family enjoyed it!! Woot!
Diana Williamson says
Delishious! Made this last night for my lunch for the 1st week of Gina fall 2020 group! Definately a keeper! Freezing some. Great for this fall weather! Thanks Andrea
Andrea says
You are very welcome! So happy you enjoyed it!
Dagmara says
Well well once again you come up with the most delicious recipe ever! I love this soup... it’s absolutely scrumptious! Thank you and keep the recipes coming!
Andrea says
Thanks so much!! Happy you are enjoying everything!
Sharon Waugh (Mom) says
Andrea, this soup is so delicious I wanted to eat the entire pot! I added half a cup of heavy cream cause why not? So good!
Sharon Waugh (Mom) says
Forgot the 5 star rating!
Andrea says
I couldn't agree more!!
So happy you liked it!!
Trish says
Just made a pot full of this amazing seasonal recipe although I took the easier route and used frozen corn instead of cob. Delicious.
Andrea says
Amazing!! Definitely faster and still delicious!
Mary Erickson says
Andrea, this looks delicious. Sorry for the perhaps silly question - but do you cook the corn on the cob first?
Andrea says
Not a silly question! No need to cook the corn first as it cooks in the soup 😃