Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder

Brighten your warm summer days with a bowl of Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder! This recipe is truly a treasure, capturing the vibrant flavors of the season. Imagine gathering with friends or family, spoons dipping into a steaming bowl of creamy goodness, with the sweet bites of fresh corn and tender zucchini. It’s the kind of dish that invites laughter, stories, and shared moments around the table. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish for a casual summer gathering, this chowder delivers comfort and nourishment in every spoonful.

What sets this chowder apart is its delightful combination of seasonal vegetables, which create an explosion of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it also gives you room to customize each ingredient based on your preferences or what you have at home. So, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder lies in its ingredients. Seasonal vegetables like corn and zucchini create a fresh and vibrant flavor profile that feels like summer in every bite. With small batches of ingredients, you can easily customize this chowder to suit your taste buds while making sure each component shines through.

Moreover, the creamy texture from half-and-half or whole milk creates a delightful contrast with the crispy bacon, making every spoonful a little moment of bliss. This chowder is all about balance, showcasing the best of summer’s harvest.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder

You’ll fall in love with this chowder for many reasons! First, it’s a delightful summer dish that captures the essence of the season, bringing warmth even on the hottest days. Second, it’s comforting and hearty; you can enjoy it as a light meal or a satisfying side dish.

Another wonderful aspect is the ease of preparation. With simple steps to follow, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence or for casual summer gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

• 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped into bits
• 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, finely diced
• 5 ears corn, kernels cut off from the cob
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 1/4 tsp kosher sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 large zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced
• 1 large yellow squash, quartered lengthwise and sliced
• 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk

Creating Your Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder

Prepare the Base with Bacon, Onions, and Celery

Start your chowder by setting a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until it turns crispy, which should take about 5 minutes. The aroma is amazing! Once cooked, toss in the diced onion and finely diced celery. Let everything cook together for another 3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.

Add Fresh Corn and Garlic

Next, stir in the corn kernels and let them sauté for about 4 minutes, soaking up all that rich flavor. Then, introduce the minced garlic. Cook it for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Incorporate Chicken Broth and Potatoes

Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Raise the heat to medium-high, and once the mixture begins to simmer, add the cubed potatoes. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, dried parsley, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Reduce the heat back to medium and let this cook for about 10 minutes until the potatoes become tender.

Introduce Zucchini and Yellow Squash

After the potatoes have softened, it’s time to welcome the sliced zucchini and yellow squash into the pot. Continue cooking this mixture until the potatoes are fork-tender while the zucchini and squash become perfectly cooked, roughly 10-12 minutes. This is when you can fully appreciate the colorful veggies!

Blend for Creaminess

For that perfect creamy texture, you’ll want to blend some of the mixture. Transfer 2 cups of the chowder to a food processor or blender and puree until it reaches a silky smooth consistency, taking about 1-2 minutes. Return this smooth mixture back to the pot, where the magic happens.

Finish with Half-and-Half

Stir in the half-and-half or whole milk and mix thoroughly. This step adds a wonderful creaminess that brings everything together. Remove the pot from heat and allow the chowder to sit for 10 minutes before serving, letting all those fabulous flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

When serving up this chowder, consider pairing it with some crusty bread or crisp crackers to make it a complete meal. You might also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, not only for added flavor but also for that beautiful presentation.

Tips for Success

If you’re aiming for a vegetarian version of this chowder, you can simply substitute bacon with smoked paprika for that smoky flavor, and use vegetable broth instead. Adjust the seasonings to suit your personal taste—homemade broth can sometimes be saltier, so keep that in mind as you taste-test.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with this chowder! Adding other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers can enhance the flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, spice it up with jalapeños or a little more cayenne pepper to give it some heat.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you make a big batch, the chowder can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stove to preserve that lovely texture.

Pairing Ideas

Complement this chowder with a light salad or a platter of grilled vegetables for a fresh touch. For a drink, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully!

FAQs

What can I use instead of bacon?
You can easily omit the bacon or replace it with smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.

Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this dish a day in advance; just reheat it gently before serving to maintain those flavors.

Is this chowder suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well, but be aware the texture may change slightly when thawed.

Can I use frozen corn?
Definitely! You can substitute frozen corn for fresh corn without any issues.

What can I do if it’s too thick?
If your chowder ends up a bit thick, just add more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Enjoy this Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder that brings a taste of summer right to your table! It’s a delicious way to celebrate fresh produce and create lasting memories with loved ones. Happy cooking!

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