Vegan Corn Chowder

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings comfort to any table, then this Vegan Corn Chowder is just what you need! This creamy, hearty soup is packed with sweet corn and tender potatoes, making it a delightful choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. There’s something so satisfying about a big bowl of chowder—it warms not just your stomach but your soul too!

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You can have it bubbling away in less than an hour, filling your kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this Vegan Corn Chowder is sure to impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This chowder comes together quickly with just one pot! Perfect for those who want a delicious meal without the fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids (and adults) can’t resist the creamy goodness and sweet corn. It’s a meal everyone will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this chowder in advance and reheat it—ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of coconut milk and fresh ingredients creates a depth of flavor that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delicious Vegan Corn Chowder. Most are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes!

For the Chowder Base

• 5 Corn on the Cob (or 4.5 cups (738g) Frozen Corn or Canned Corn, Drained)
• 3 Tablespoons Vegan Butter
• 1 Medium Onion (White, Yellow or Brown, Chopped)
• 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)

For the Chunky Goodness

• 2 Large Potatoes (1.2 pounds / 600g) Peeled and Cubed
• 1 Bay Leaf

For Garnish

• 3/4 cup Green Onions (Chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• Black Pepper to taste

Variations

This Vegan Corn Chowder is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your tastes! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños if you like a little heat!
• Creamy Alternative: Instead of coconut cream, try using cashew cream for a different flavor profile.
• Protein Boost: Stir in some cooked quinoa or lentils at the end for added protein.

How to Make Vegan Corn Chowder

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Slice the corn off the cob by standing the cobs upright in a bowl. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice downwards, releasing those juicy kernels. Don’t forget to break the cobs in half—they’ll add extra flavor while simmering!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add in your chopped onion and sauté until they’re softened and translucent; this step enhances their natural sweetness and forms a flavorful base for your chowder.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Thyme

Once your onions are ready, stir in the crushed garlic and dried thyme. Sauté them together for another minute until fragrant—this will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!

Step 4: Thicken Up

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and mix well. This will help thicken your chowder later on. Gradually whisk in vegetable stock along with light coconut milk and coconut cream until smooth.

Step 5: Toss in Potatoes & Cobs

Add your cubed potatoes along with those empty corn cobs you set aside earlier—the cobs will impart extra corn flavor as they cook! Drop in that bay leaf too.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover your pot and let it cook for about 25 minutes until those potatoes are tender—a perfect time for all those flavors to meld together beautifully!

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove the corn cobs and bay leaf from the pot; they’ve done their job! Now stir in that fresh corn you prepared earlier and let it cook for another five minutes. Finally, mix in chopped green onions along with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle your hearty Vegan Corn Chowder into bowls and garnish with more green onions on top along with an extra sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Enjoy each spoonful of this comforting soup—it’s truly special!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Corn Chowder

Creating the perfect vegan corn chowder is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to elevate your dish!

• Use fresh corn when possible: Fresh corn adds a delightful sweetness and crunch to your chowder. If it’s in season, don’t hesitate to use it for that fresh-off-the-cob flavor.

• Sauté vegetables thoroughly: Properly sautéing the onions, garlic, and thyme will enhance their flavors, creating a deeper taste profile in your chowder. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the seasonings! Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add a warm kick that complements the sweetness of the corn beautifully.

• Blend for creaminess: If you prefer an ultra-creamy texture, consider blending half of the chowder before adding the fresh corn. This will give you a thicker base while keeping some whole pieces for texture.

• Adjust thickness as desired: If your chowder is too thick after cooking, simply stir in more vegetable stock or coconut milk until you reach your preferred consistency.

How to Serve Vegan Corn Chowder

Serving your vegan corn chowder can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation pop.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and freshness, brightening up each bowl.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado complements the chowder’s richness and brings an additional layer of flavor.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice right before serving can enhance the overall taste with a zesty kick.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the chowder. It adds texture and helps soak up every delicious drop.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed in vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies like carrots and bell peppers provide sweetness and depth, making them an excellent side that complements the chowder perfectly.
• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are not only delightful but also pair wonderfully with this creamy soup, offering the ideal balance of flavors.

Enjoy your warming bowl of vegan corn chowder as a comforting meal on its own or alongside these delightful sides!

Make Ahead and Storage

This vegan corn chowder is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week! The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious after a day in the fridge.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• When storing, consider keeping the green onions separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Let the chowder cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers.
• Leave some space at the top of each container as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, label each container with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Add a splash of vegetable stock or water if it’s too thick upon reheating.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious vegan corn chowder!

Can I make Vegan Corn Chowder without fresh corn?

Yes! You can use frozen or canned corn instead. Just make sure to drain any canned corn before adding it to the pot.

What can I substitute for coconut milk in Vegan Corn Chowder?

If you prefer not to use coconut milk, you can use any unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Just be aware that it might alter the flavor slightly.

How long does Vegan Corn Chowder last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this vegan corn chowder can last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this creamy and comforting vegan corn chowder as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings friends and family together. Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer or main course, I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!