Name: Corn Chowder
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 4 scallions, white bulbs and green tops chopped and reserved separately; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 4 ribs celery, chopped; 1 pound (about 3) boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice; 4 cups fresh corn kernels (cut from about 8 ears), divided; 1 bay leaf; 1 (quart) can low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 cups milk; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Active Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

Yield:

4 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
4 scallions, white bulbs and green tops chopped and reserved separately
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 ribs celery, chopped
1 pound (about 3) boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 cups fresh corn kernels (cut from about 8 ears), divided
1 bay leaf
1 (quart) can low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Directions

In a large saucepan, melt butter over moderately low heat. Add scallion bulbs, bell pepper, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables start to soften, about 10 minutes.
Stir in potatoes, 2 cups corn, bay leaf, broth, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
In a blender or food processor, puree remaining 2 cups corn with milk.
Stir puree into soup along with black pepper. Simmer until soup thickens slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.
Remove bay leaf. Stir in scallion greens. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, if using.

Photo by Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Melissa Gray / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

Notes

Frozen Corn Variation: If you want to use frozen corn, puree two cups of it with the milk as directed above, and add the remaining two cups to the soup along with the puree. Since the corn is already cooked, it might toughen if it goes in earlier. You can add a pinch of sugar as well if you like.

Suggested Pairing

Chardonnay seems to have an affinity for corn; perhaps it is the sweet buttery flavors that complement each other so well. For the best effect with this chowder, pick a rich, full-bodied example from southeastern Australia.