Zesty Chipotle Corn Chowder Recipe: Spoonful of Sunshine!

Nothing beats a warm, hearty chipotle corn chowder that warms your soul on a chilly evening.

This smoky and creamy soup blends sweet corn kernels with a spicy chipotle kick that dances across your palate.

Rich, velvety textures mingle with robust flavors that promise a delightful culinary experience.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with bold seasonings to create a comforting dish that feels both rustic and elegant.

Each spoonful promises a burst of southwestern-inspired goodness that will transport you to sun-drenched landscapes.

Fresh corn and smoky chipotle peppers work their magic, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creative Serving Ideas for This Sunshine Chowder

• Flavor Explosion Toppings: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, crumbled queso fresco, or chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
• Bread Buddies: Serve alongside warm crusty sourdough, garlic toast, or cornbread to soak up the delicious chowder and add a satisfying crunch.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu cubes to transform this chowder into a heartier main dish that fills you up.
• Cool Companion Sides: Pair with a fresh summer salad, quick pickled vegetables, or a light cucumber slaw to balance the chowder's rich and smoky profile.

How to Keep It Fresh for Days Without Losing Texture

• Keep leftover chowder in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain best flavor and texture.
• Double the recipe and freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Warm soup slowly on stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add splash of vegetable broth if soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
• Store toppings like chopped basil, cilantro, or green onions separately in small containers. Add just before serving to keep maximum crunch and vibrant flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients That Make This Chowder a Summer Favorite

• Onion: Provides a robust, sweet foundation that adds depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Potatoes: Creates creamy texture and helps thicken the chowder naturally.
• Garlic: Delivers a sharp, aromatic punch that enhances overall taste complexity.
• Zucchini: Adds light, fresh vegetable character and subtle green notes.

• Corn: Brings sweet, summery brightness and classic chowder authenticity.
• Chipotle Peppers: Introduces smoky, spicy kick with complex southwestern flair.
• Basil: Offers fresh, herbal finishing touch that lifts the entire dish.

• Vegetable Broth: Builds rich, savory liquid base with gentle vegetable undertones.
• Almond Milk: Creates silky, creamy consistency without heavy dairy richness.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium with heart-healthy Mediterranean character.
• Salt: Balances and heightens all ingredient flavors throughout cooking process.

Kitchen Gear for a Cream-Free Corn Chowder

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the entire chowder with all ingredients.
• Blender: Crucial for creating the smooth, creamy texture by partially blending soup components.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, potatoes, zucchini, garlic, and basil.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning broth and almond milk.
• Ladle: Used for serving the chowder into individual bowls.

The Method for a Chowder That’s Bright Yet Bold

• Kickstart the Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in onions and potatoes, letting them dance and soften for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent.

• Build the Veggie Foundation

Introduce garlic, corn, zucchini, and a sprinkle of salt to the pot. Let these ingredients mingle and soften for another 5 minutes, creating a beautiful vegetable base.

• Create the Liquid Magic

Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer peacefully for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes become tender and dreamy.

• Blend the Creamy Surprise

Carefully scoop about 3 cups of the soup into a blender. Add almond milk and chipotle peppers for a spicy twist. Blend until silky smooth and luxurious.

• Final Fusion

Return the blended mixture to the pot, stirring to marry all the flavors. Sprinkle in fresh chopped basil, taste, and adjust the seasoning to your heart’s content.

• Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chowder into bowls, topping with your favorite garnishes. Serve warm or at room temperature, ready to delight your taste buds.

Unique Additions to Elevate This Seasonal Soup

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
• Adjust chipotle pepper quantity to match your heat tolerance – start with less and add gradually for personalized warmth.
• This chowder tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors develop overnight in the refrigerator.
• For vegan version, ensure vegetable broth is used; for gluten-free option, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free; for dairy-free, continue using almond milk or swap with coconut milk for extra creaminess.
• Want a chunkier soup? Reserve some corn and vegetables before blending, then stir back in after partial blending for added texture and visual appeal.

Vibrant Chipotle Corn Chowder Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Summery Chipotle Corn Chowder delivers smoky-sweet comfort in a bowl, blending fresh corn’s natural sweetness with chipotle’s spicy kick. Creamy textures and bold flavors invite you to savor summer’s most delicious comfort soup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups diced red potatoes (about 3 medium)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or dairy milk)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped

Optional Toppings:

• Drizzle of pesto
• Extra basil or green onions
• Olive oil or chili oil
• Crushed tortilla chips or toasted pepitas

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and potatoes until onions become translucent and potatoes start to soften.
2. Flavor Building: Introduce garlic, corn, zucchini, and salt to the pot. Continue cooking until vegetables develop a tender texture and release their aromatic essence.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour broth into the vegetable mixture, bringing to a gentle simmer. Allow the ingredients to meld and potatoes to become completely tender, approximately 10-15 minutes.
4. Creamy Transformation: Transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, combining with almond milk and chipotle peppers. Puree until achieving a silky, smooth consistency that will enhance the chowder’s overall texture.
5. Final Composition: Reincorporate the blended mixture back into the pot, stirring to create a harmonious blend. Fold in fresh basil, then conduct a taste assessment to calibrate seasoning and heat level.
6. Presentation: Elegantly ladle the chowder into serving vessels. Embellish with preferred garnishes, offering flexibility for serving at warm or ambient temperatures.

Notes

• Cut potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and quick softening during the simmering process.
• Allow blended mixture to cool slightly before transferring to prevent potential hot liquid splashing or blender lid explosion.
• Add chopped chipotle peppers gradually to manage heat level, tasting as you go for perfect spice balance.
• Use coconut milk or oat milk as alternative creamy bases for those avoiding almond milk, maintaining similar smooth texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg