Creamy Corn And Vegetable Chowder

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

1. Remove corn kernels from cobs and set aside.
2. Chop the onion, carrot, celery, red and jalapeno peppers into a small dice.
3. Chop cilantro and basil.
4. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
5. Add onion, carrot and celery and saute until onion is soft.
6. Add zucchini, red pepper, jalapenos, corn, garlic, chili powder, salt and pepper.
7. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
8. Add stock and coconut milk. If you prefer a thicker soup add only part of the stock and add more after pureeing as needed.
9. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
10. 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
11. 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.
12. 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!