Fiery Chipotle Crema Corn Chowder
Dive into the bold flavors of this Fiery Chipotle Crema Corn Chowder, where sweet corn meets a creamy, spicy base that warms your soul. Perfect for those chilly evenings or as a comforting meal for family gatherings, this soup packs a flavorful punch that can be adjusted to meet your spice tolerance. The richness from the cream perfectly balances the smokiness of the chipotle peppers, creating a harmonious blend of tastes in every bite. Serve it alongside some crusty rolls slathered in butter for a heartwarming dining experience. Whether you’re a spice aficionado or just looking to add a little kick to your meal, this chowder is a delightful choice that’s sure to please.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
red bell pepper
1 large (chopped)
onion
1 large (chopped)
minced garlic
1-2 tablespoons (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (with juice)
chicken broth
2 cups (good-quality)
canned chipotle chile
1 tablespoon (chopped (or to taste))
cream-style corn
2 (14 ounce) cans (opened)
frozen corn
1 (16 ounce) package (frozen)
whipping cream
1 cup (unwhipped)
dried oregano
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
2
Add the chopped onions, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3
Stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
4
In a blender, combine the chicken broth and chopped chipotle chilies. Puree until smooth.
5
Pour the chipotle broth mixture and the cream-style corn into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
After 25 minutes, add the frozen corn, whipping cream, and dried oregano. Stir to incorporate and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
8
Ladle the chowder into warm bowls and serve immediately, enjoying with crusty rolls.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Chipotle Crema Corn Chowder?
It is a bold and flavorful soup where sweet corn meets a creamy, spicy chipotle base, perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings.
How spicy is this corn chowder?
The chowder has a smoky kick from the chipotle peppers, but the heat is balanced by the richness of the whipping cream and sweet corn.
Can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of canned chipotle chile used to meet your personal spice tolerance.
What should I serve with this chowder?
It is best served alongside crusty rolls slathered in butter for a heartwarming and complete dining experience.
What type of pot is best for making this soup?
A large heavy pot is recommended to ensure even heat distribution and to prevent sticking during the simmering process.
How do I prepare the chipotle chilies?
The chipotle chilies should be combined with the chicken broth in a blender and pureed until smooth before being added to the pot.
How long does it take to saute the vegetables?
The onions, red bell pepper, and garlic should be sauteed for about 5 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute if you prefer a vegetarian-friendly base for the soup.
What is the purpose of the cream-style corn?
The cream-style corn provides a thick, velvety texture and a foundational sweetness to the chowder.
How long should the chowder simmer in total?
The chowder simmers for an initial 25 minutes, followed by an additional 5 minutes once the final ingredients are added.
When do I add the frozen corn?
The frozen corn is added toward the end of the cooking process, during the final 5 minutes of simmering.
Can I use half-and-half instead of whipping cream?
While whipping cream provides the richest flavor, you can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter version of the chowder.
Is the garlic supposed to be minced or whole?
The recipe calls for 1-2 tablespoons of minced garlic to ensure the flavor is distributed throughout the soup.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should add the diced tomatoes along with their juice to help blend the flavors and add moisture.
What kind of oregano is best for this recipe?
Dried oregano is used in this recipe, ranging from 1/2 to 1 teaspoon depending on your taste preference.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
While designed for the stovetop, you could adapt it by sauteing the vegetables first and then combining everything except the cream and frozen corn in a slow cooker.
How many cans of corn are needed?
You will need two 14-ounce cans of cream-style corn and one 16-ounce package of frozen corn.
Do I need to peel the red bell pepper?
No, simply chop the red bell pepper before sauteing it with the onions and garlic.
Can I add meat to this corn chowder?
Yes, shredded chicken, cooked bacon, or even shrimp would make excellent additions to this fiery chowder.
What if I don't have a blender for the chipotles?
If you don't have a blender, you should mince the chipotle chilies very finely before whisking them into the broth.
How do I prevent the chowder from burning?
Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers, especially during the 25-minute simmer period.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn kernels cut off the cob can be used as a delicious substitute for the frozen corn package.
Is this chowder gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the labels on the chicken broth and cream-style corn to be sure.
How much butter is used in the base?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of butter to saute the initial vegetables and provide a rich flavor.
Can I store leftovers in the freezer?
While it can be frozen, the dairy in the whipping cream may separate slightly when thawed, so airtight refrigerated storage for 3-4 days is recommended.
What makes this a 'crema' chowder?
The combination of whipping cream and the pureed chipotle broth creates a 'crema' style texture and flavor profile.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, but use about three times the amount of fresh oregano since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones.
Does this recipe require any salt?
The recipe doesn't specify added salt as the canned items and broth usually provide enough, but you can season to taste.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, the instructions are straightforward and involve simple techniques like sauteing, pureeing, and simmering.
How should the chowder be served?
Ladle the hot chowder into warm bowls and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.