Creamy Roasted Corn and Bell Pepper Chowder
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Creamy Roasted Corn and Bell Pepper Chowder, an easy-to-make recipe that transforms fresh ingredients into a succulent dish. This chowder combines the sweetness of roasted corn with the earthy tones of red bell peppers, enhanced by a creamy base of evaporated milk and seasoned to perfection. Ideal for cozy evenings, this comforting chowder is best prepared in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it simmers. Serve it with crusty bread for a delightful meal that warms the soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
to taste (for sautéing)
fresh corn kernels
2 cups (can substitute with thawed frozen corn if desired)
red bell pepper
1 (cored, seeded, and diced)
green onions
2 (diced)
chicken broth
4 cups (preferably low sodium)
baking potatoes
2 (peeled and diced)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
evaporated milk
1 (13 ounce) can
flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized sauté pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the fresh corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and green onions to the pan. Sauté the mixture for about 7-8 minutes until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
3
Transfer the sautéed mixture into a slow cooker. Incorporate the remaining green onions, chicken broth, diced baking potatoes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 7-9 hours or on High for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
5
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the evaporated milk. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the chowder to your desired consistency.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and garnish with freshly minced flat-leaf parsley for an elegant finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Roasted Corn and Bell Pepper Chowder?
It is a rich and comforting slow-cooked soup that combines the sweetness of roasted corn with diced red bell peppers in a creamy evaporated milk base.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
The chowder can be cooked on Low for 7-9 hours or on High for 4-5 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 cups of fresh corn kernels with thawed frozen corn if fresh corn is not available.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two baking potatoes, which should be peeled and diced into small pieces for even cooking.
How do I make the chowder extra creamy?
About 30 minutes before serving, you can use an immersion blender to blend the chowder to your desired consistency.
When should I add the evaporated milk?
Stir in the evaporated milk approximately 30 minutes before you are ready to serve the dish.
Can I make this chowder vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken broth with an equal amount of vegetable broth to make it a vegetarian meal.
How should I prepare the red bell pepper?
The red bell pepper should be cored, seeded, and diced before being sautéed with the corn and onions.
Is sautéing the vegetables necessary?
Yes, sautéing the corn, peppers, and green onions for 7-8 minutes helps caramelize them and builds a deeper flavor profile.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the hot chowder with 2 tablespoons of freshly minced flat-leaf parsley for an elegant and fresh finish.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of chicken broth, and using a low-sodium version is recommended.
What size can of evaporated milk is used?
The recipe uses one standard 13-ounce can of evaporated milk.
How do I season the chowder?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, then taste and adjust at the end if necessary.
Can I use different types of onions?
The recipe specifically uses green onions for a mild flavor, but you could substitute with finely diced yellow onion if needed during the sauté step.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify that the baking potatoes should be peeled before being diced and added to the slow cooker.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You will need a medium-sized sauté pan, a slow cooker, and optionally an immersion blender for texture adjustment.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is a savory and sweet chowder. If you prefer heat, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce at the end.
Can I use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, heavy cream can be used as a substitute for evaporated milk if you prefer an even richer texture.
What should I serve with this chowder?
It is best served with crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.
How do I know the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
Can I add protein like chicken?
Yes, cooked shredded chicken or even shrimp could be added at the end for extra protein.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this chowder?
While it can be frozen, the texture of the potatoes and the dairy may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
What is the best way to reheat it?
Reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the dairy from separating.
Can I use yellow or orange bell peppers?
Yes, yellow or orange bell peppers are great substitutes for red bell peppers as they offer a similar sweetness.
What if I don't have an immersion blender?
You can transfer a portion of the soup to a standard blender, pulse until smooth, and then stir it back into the pot.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley is recommended for garnish, but you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley if fresh is unavailable.
Is olive oil required?
Olive oil is used for sautéing, but you can substitute it with butter or any neutral cooking oil.
Does this recipe contain gluten?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the labels on your chicken broth and evaporated milk to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How many green onions are used in total?
The recipe uses two green onions, which are diced and divided between the sauté pan and the slow cooker.