Vegan Corn Chowder

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish to warm your heart and fill your belly, this Vegan Corn Chowder is just the ticket! It’s rich and creamy, thanks to the potatoes and coconut milk, making it a delightful choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this chowder is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that make it both delicious and nourishing!

This recipe holds a special place in my heart—it reminds me of sunny days spent at the farmers’ market, picking out sweet corn and fresh veggies. Every spoonful brings back those fond memories while providing a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without any guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this hearty chowder in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet corn flavor, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge or freezer for easy meals later.
• Creamy Comfort: The combination of coconut milk and potatoes creates a rich texture that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main course; serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Vegan Corn Chowder. You probably have most of these on hand already!

For the Chowder

• 5 Corn on the Cob (or 4.5 cups frozen corn or canned corn, drained)
• 3 Tablespoons Vegan Butter
• 1 Medium Onion (chopped; white, yellow, or brown)
• 1 teaspoon Crushed Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour (63g)
• 2 cups Vegetable Stock (480ml)
• 28 ounces Canned Light Coconut Milk (800ml, 2 cans; unsweetened)
• 14 ounces Canned Coconut Cream (400ml, 1 can; unsweetened)
• 2 Large Potatoes (1.2 pounds / 600g; peeled and cubed)
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 3/4 cup Green Onions (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• Black Pepper to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this Vegan Corn Chowder is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your personal taste preferences.

• Add More Greens: Throw in some chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a kick if you like your chowder spicy.
• Change the Base: Swap out some of the coconut milk for almond milk if you’re looking for a lighter version.
• Incorporate Different Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.

How to Make Vegan Corn Chowder

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Start by slicing the corn off the cob. Stand each cob in a bowl while you cut away the kernels—this helps catch all those delicious juices! Once you’ve got all your corn ready, break the cobs in half and set them aside. This step adds extra flavor to your chowder as it cooks.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add in your chopped onion and sauté until they soften—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The onions will become fragrant and start to caramelize slightly, bringing out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Thyme

Next, stir in the crushed garlic and dried thyme with the onions. Sauté these together for another minute or two until fragrant—this step builds layers of flavor that will make your chowder irresistible!

Step 4: Create the Base

Sprinkle in your all-purpose flour and stir well. Then pour in the vegetable stock along with the light coconut milk and coconut cream. Whisk everything together until smooth—this creamy base is what makes our chowder so delightful.

Step 5: Add Potatoes & Corn Cobs

Now it’s time to add those cubed potatoes along with your empty corn cobs (use as many as fit comfortably). Toss in one bay leaf too! These will cook down beautifully while adding depth to your soup’s flavor.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Bring everything to a simmer; then cover your pot and let it cook for about 25 minutes until those potatoes are nice and tender. Keep an eye on it—you want those flavors to meld together perfectly!

Step 7: Final Touches

Once cooked, carefully remove both the corn cobs and bay leaf from your pot. Stir in that fresh corn we prepared earlier and let it simmer for another 5 minutes—this will keep that sweet corn flavor bright!

Step 8: Season & Serve

Finish off by adding chopped green onions along with salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything one last gentle stir before ladling it into bowls. For presentation, sprinkle more green onions on top along with an extra dash of black pepper—because who doesn’t love that little touch?

Enjoy every comforting bite of your homemade Vegan Corn Chowder!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Corn Chowder

Creating the perfect vegan corn chowder is a breeze with these helpful tips!

• Use Fresh Corn for Maximum Flavor: If you can get your hands on fresh corn, it adds a delightful sweetness and crunch that frozen or canned corn simply can’t match. The natural sugars in fresh corn enhance the overall taste of the chowder.

• Sauté Your Onions Thoroughly: Taking the time to sauté onions until they are soft and translucent will build a savory foundation for your chowder. This step enhances the flavor profile and makes each spoonful more delicious.

• Don’t Skip the Bay Leaf: Adding a bay leaf during cooking infuses the chowder with a subtle depth of flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving, as it’s not meant to be eaten!

• Adjust Consistency as Needed: If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot once they’re cooked. For a thinner consistency, simply add more vegetable stock or coconut milk.

• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Every ingredient can vary in intensity; tasting your chowder as it cooks allows you to adjust salt, pepper, and other spices to suit your preference perfectly.

How to Serve Vegan Corn Chowder

Presenting your vegan corn chowder beautifully can make it even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds color and a burst of freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes introduces a subtle kick that complements the creamy texture.
• Coconut Cream Swirl: Drizzling a bit of coconut cream on top creates an appealing visual contrast and enhances creaminess.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your chowder. It adds texture and is great for sopping up every last drop of soup.
• Simple Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the rich chowder.
• Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers filled with seasonal veggies bring extra nutrition and flavor. The smoky char from grilling pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup.
• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins complement the flavors of corn chowder while offering a slightly sweet touch that rounds out your meal beautifully.

Enjoy crafting this warm, comforting vegan corn chowder that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Corn Chowder is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it reheat beautifully, but its flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day. Here’s how to store and enjoy your chowder later:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chowder to cool to room temperature.
• Transfer leftovers into airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the chowder cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can add a splash of vegetable stock or water if it’s too thick when reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious Vegan Corn Chowder!

Can I make Vegan Corn Chowder without fresh corn?

Absolutely! You can use frozen or canned corn as a great alternative. Just make sure to drain canned corn before adding it to the pot.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Vegan Corn Chowder?

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also elevate the taste.

What is the best way to serve Vegan Corn Chowder?

Serve it warm with a sprinkle of green onions on top and some crusty bread on the side. It makes for a comforting meal any time of year!

How long does Vegan Corn Chowder last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your chowder will last for about 4 days in the fridge.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch mixed with water for thickening.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Corn Chowder is truly special because it’s not only comforting and creamy but also packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy. I hope you find joy in making this recipe as much as I do! Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or as a hearty main course, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!