This creamy, veggie-packed corn chowder is completely vegan and gluten-free! Rich, hearty and loaded in flavor, you won’t believe there’s no butter, flour or cream!
Recently my dear friend Mimi taught me one of her favorite family recipes: vegan corn chowder. I’m so excited to share with you this simple yet flavor-packed vegetable chowder recipe that is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
As you can imagine, having lived in Boston for 9 years, I am a huge fan of chowder but most recipes are laden with fat and calories as a result of excessive butter, flour, and cream. You won’t believe how delicious this healthy corn chowder turns out! Here’s how you make it:
Mimi’s lighter corn chowder recipe starts off by sauteeing carrots, onion, celery, and garlic in a large soup pot in a little olive oil with salt and pepper. My version throws in cayenne because I like a little kick but feel free to use pepper instead.
Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead of Fresh Garlic?
Absolutely! In fact, Mimi prefers to use powdered garlic powder and onion powder but I believe it’s great with just fresh garlic. Either way works or both!
For more heartiness, diced red potatoes are added to the pot. These potatoes naturally thicken the soup and create that “stick-to-your-ribs” sensation you get from traditional chowder recipes.
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Corn?
Absolutely! However, if you’re using frozen corn Mimi suggests soaking it in warm water first to defrost.
What’s the Secret to Thickening A Vegan Corn Chowder?
The trick is to pulse part of the corn in a food processor until it forms a thickening paste.
Once added back to the soup pot it turns the entire pot into a creamy, hearty chowder. What’s amazing is that there is no butter or cream in this chowder but you’d never miss it based on how much flavor it has at the end.
How Can I Maximize Flavor In Vegan Chowder?
Another trick to adding more flavor is to stir in bouillon paste. If you’re vegan be sure to use a vegetable paste but a chicken bouillon paste works too of course.
Is This Corn Chowder Freezer Friendly?
Absolutely! It will last in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to three months.
Thank you Mimi for reaching me this delicious recipe!! We love it!
Your spoon is waiting.
Vegan Corn Chowder
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 celery sticks diced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne optional
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable bouillon paste optional
- 4 medium red potatoes diced
- 3 cups corn fresh or frozen - divided
- 2 bay leaves optional
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion to the pan along with salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Saute until tender, about 7-9 minutes, stirring frequently.
- While vegetables saute, place the corn in a large bowl and cover with warm water. Let sit five minutes; strain.
- Place two cups of the corn in a food processor and pulse for 45-60 seconds to create a thickening paste; set aside.
- Add the vegetable broth and vegetable boullion (if using) to the pot and bring to a boil. Stir in potatoes and bring to boil again then reduce to low and simmer 10 minutes.
- Stir in corn paste reserved from food processor along with bay leaves and remaining 1 cup whole corn kernels. Bring the pot back to a boil then reduce to low. Simmer for 30 minutes. Check for seasoning and adjust before serving. Remove bay before serving.
Chef's Notes:
Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead of Fresh Garlic?
Absolutely! In fact, Mimi prefers to use powdered garlic powder and onion powder but I believe it's great with just fresh garlic. Either way works or both!Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Corn?
Absolutely! However, if you're using frozen corn Mimi suggests soaking it in warm water first to defrost.What's the Secret to Thickening A Vegan Corn Chowder?
The trick is to pulse part of the corn in a food processor until it forms a thickening paste.How Can I Maximize Flavor In Vegan Chowder?
Another trick to adding more flavor is to stir in bouillon paste. If you're vegan be sure to use a vegetable paste but a chicken bouillon paste works too of course.Is This Corn Chowder Freezer Friendly?
Absolutely! It will last in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to three months.Nutrition Facts:
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Find more healthy soup recipes on my Pinterest page!
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