Savory Smoky Corn Chowder
This savory smoky corn chowder is the epitome of hearty comfort food, blending the rich flavors of crispy bacon with sweet corn and tender potatoes. A perfect marriage of traditional chowder elements and aromatic spices, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction with each bite. Inspired by a Food Network recipe, it has been revamped to enhance its creamy texture and flavorful profile. Absolutely ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
8 ounces (thick sliced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
sweet onion
1/2 medium (chopped)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
butter
2 tablespoons
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
coriander
1 teaspoon
tarragon
1 teaspoon
potatoes
3 cups (medium diced)
chicken broth
6 cups ((or bullion with water))
half-and-half
1 cup
corn kernels
5 cups ((preferably supersweet white corn, thawed if frozen))
sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and fry the bacon slices until crispy and browned. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
2
2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped sweet onion to the remaining bacon fat and olive oil in the pot. Add butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
4. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion mixture and stir well to combine. Add the salt, pepper, coriander, and tarragon, and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5
5. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring continuously to dissolve any lumps. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
6
6. Add the diced potatoes, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7
7. Stir in the half-and-half, corn kernels, and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Allow the chowder to return to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8
8. Meanwhile, chop the cooled, crispy bacon into small pieces.
9
9. Add the chopped bacon back into the soup, stir well, and heat through for about 2 minutes.
10
10. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your savory chowder warm with your choice of bread or salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Smoky Corn Chowder?
It is a hearty comfort food dish blending crispy bacon, sweet corn, and tender potatoes in a creamy, aromatic base.
What type of bacon should I use?
The recipe recommends using 8 ounces of thick-sliced bacon for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 5 cups of corn kernels; if they are frozen, simply thaw them before adding to the chowder.
What type of corn is preferred?
Supersweet white corn is the preferred choice for this specific chowder recipe.
What makes the chowder smoky?
The smokiness comes from frying 8 ounces of bacon until crispy and using the remaining bacon fat to cook the vegetables.
What spices are used in this corn chowder?
The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, coriander, and tarragon.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
You should use 3 cups of potatoes that have been medium diced.
What type of dairy is needed for the creamy texture?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of half-and-half to achieve its creamy consistency.
Is there cheese in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
What kind of broth is used?
You will need 6 cups of chicken broth, or you can use chicken bouillon with water.
Why is flour added to the onion mixture?
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is added to create a roux, which acts as a thickening agent for the soup.
How long should I cook the onions?
Cook the chopped sweet onion for 5 to 7 minutes until they become translucent.
When do I add the garlic?
Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic after the onions are translucent and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
The diced potatoes should simmer in the broth for about 15 minutes or until they are tender.
When should the bacon be added back to the soup?
The chopped crispy bacon is added back into the soup in the final stages of cooking to heat through for about 2 minutes.
What type of onion is best for this chowder?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 of a medium sweet onion, chopped.
How do I prevent the flour from tasting raw?
Cook the flour with the onion and spice mixture for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly before adding any liquid.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Absolutely, this savory chowder is described as ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
How much corn is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for a total of 5 cups of corn kernels.
Do I need both olive oil and butter?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil are used for the bacon, and 2 tablespoons of butter are added when cooking the onions.
What is the role of tarragon in this dish?
Tarragon provides a unique aromatic profile that complements the sweet corn and savory bacon.
At what point is the cheese stirred in?
The sharp cheddar cheese is added along with the half-and-half and corn once the potatoes are tender.
Should the chowder boil after adding the dairy?
Yes, allow the chowder to return to a boil after adding the half-and-half and cheese, then immediately reduce the heat to simmer.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Should I let the soup rest before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the chowder sit for a few minutes after removing it from the heat before serving.
What are some recommended sides for this chowder?
It is best enjoyed warm with your choice of bread or a fresh salad.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe consists of 15 ingredients in total.
What is the best heat setting for frying the bacon?
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat to fry the bacon slices until crispy.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is designed to be straightforward for home cooks.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, while the recipe calls for chicken broth, you can use bouillon with water as a convenient substitute.