Corn and Zucchini Chowder
This Corn and Zucchini Chowder is a quick, creamy, and flavorful meal bursting with fresh vegetables and comforting richness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines the natural sweetness of fresh corn with tender zucchini in a velvety broth, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a hearty, nutritious bowl of comfort food.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering and blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- Fresh corn kernels (from 2-3 ears of corn)
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Fats
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
Seasonings & Herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the zucchini into bite-sized pieces, finely dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and removing the kernels from fresh corn cobs. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and fast.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the zucchini and corn kernels to the pot. Stir to combine, letting the veggies soften slightly for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and add your herbs and seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.
- Blend and Add Cream: Using an immersion blender, partially blend the chowder so some chunks remain for texture, or transfer half to a blender and return it to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and warm through on low heat, but avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove herbs if using whole sprigs, then ladle into bowls and add your favorite garnishes before enjoying.
Notes
- Use fresh corn kernels for natural sweetness and a crisp texture.
- Don’t overblend the chowder—keep some chunks for a homemade feel.
- Simmer gently to develop flavors without breaking down the vegetables too much.
- For extra creaminess, add a peeled and diced potato or a splash of cream cheese during cooking.
- Finish with fresh herbs to brighten the creamy base and tie flavors together beautifully.
- Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free vegan version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Corn chowder, zucchini chowder, creamy vegetable soup, gluten-free chowder, quick weeknight meal, dairy-free chowder, vegan chowder option