Hearty Summer Corn Chowder with Bacon and Scallions
Savor the vibrant flavors of summer with this hearty corn chowder that highlights the sweetness of fresh corn. A delightful blend of tender corn kernels, smoky bacon, and fresh scallions, this chowder is not only easy to make but also versatile enough to accommodate various tastes. Perfect for a warm summer day or as a comforting dinner option, the natural sweetness of peak-season corn shines through in every spoonful. The secret to this chowder's rich and satisfying flavor lies in the homemade corncob stock, which enhances the corn essence and creates a delightful, creamy texture.
N/A
Servings
93
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn (fresh)
6 ears (shucked and kernels removed)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper (freshly ground)
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Bacon (preferably thick-cut)
4 slices (chopped into 1/4-inch pieces)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Milk (low fat)
4 cups (preferably low-fat)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (to thicken the chowder)
Scallion
1/4 cup (freshly sliced green parts only)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by shucking the corn. Stand each ear upright in a large bowl and use a sharp knife to carefully scrape off the kernels. Set the kernels aside. Collect the empty cobs and place them in a 4-quart pot. Add 1 cup of water, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer gently. Let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes to extract the flavors from the cobs. Be sure to keep the cobs in until you're ready to make the chowder, then set aside the stock and discard the cobs later.
2
2. In a large skillet, set over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook the bacon pieces until they start to render their fat and turn a golden brown, which should take about 4 to 6 minutes. Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, around another 5 minutes.
3
3. Pour the reserved corn stock into the pot with the bacon and onion mixture. Stir in the reserved corn kernels and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the chowder to cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until the corn is tender, approximately 10 minutes.
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4. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and whisk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the chowder, stirring continuously as it thickens, which should take about a minute. After achieving the desired thickness, taste the chowder and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Finally, serve it hot, garnished with fresh scallion greens for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutrition Information
3.7g
Fat
11.7g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Summer Corn Chowder?
It is a vibrant summer soup featuring fresh corn kernels, smoky bacon, and scallions, enhanced by a homemade corncob stock.
How many ears of corn are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 ears of fresh corn.
What is the secret to this chowder's rich flavor?
The secret lies in the homemade corncob stock, which enhances the natural corn essence and creates a satisfying texture.
How do I prepare the corn kernels?
Shuck the corn, stand each ear upright in a bowl, and use a sharp knife to scrape off the kernels.
How do I make the corncob stock?
Place empty cobs in a 4-quart pot with 1 cup of water, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
What kind of bacon should I use?
Preferably use 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces.
How long should I cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon for 4 to 6 minutes until it renders its fat and turns golden brown.
When do I add the onion to the recipe?
Add the chopped onion to the skillet after the bacon has started to render its fat.
How long does the onion need to cook?
Cook the onion for about 5 minutes until it is soft and translucent.
What type of milk is recommended for this chowder?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of low-fat milk.
How do I thicken the corn chowder?
Whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and gradually stir it into the simmering chowder.
How long should the chowder simmer after adding the corn?
Simmer the chowder uncovered for approximately 10 minutes until the corn is tender.
What garnish is suggested for this dish?
Garnish the hot chowder with 1/4 cup of freshly sliced scallion greens.
How many calories are in a serving of this chowder?
There are 93 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The chowder contains 3.7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this corn chowder?
There are 11.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 4g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for those watching their cholesterol?
Yes, it is tagged as a low cholesterol recipe.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian adaptable, likely by omitting the bacon.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required.
What size pot should be used for the stock?
A 4-quart pot is recommended for making the corncob stock.
How much water is needed for the stock?
The recipe uses 1 cup of water to boil the corncobs.
Should the chowder be covered while it simmers?
No, the instructions specify to allow the chowder to cook uncovered.
What part of the scallion is used for the garnish?
Use the green parts of the scallion only.
How much cornstarch is needed for thickening?
You need 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
Is this considered an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is categorized under easy soups and takes about 10 minutes of active simmering.
What is the suggested serving temperature?
The chowder should be served hot.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried pepper?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
What type of onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 medium onion, chopped.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dinner option and tagged as comfort food.