Description
🥒 Zucchini Corn Chowder is a delicious and comforting summertime soup, loaded with fresh veggies and creamy goodness.
🌽 This easy recipe offers nutritious, wholesome ingredients perfect for a light yet satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
2 medium zucchini, diced (about 4 cups) Provides bulk and moisture, adding essential vitamins and a tender texture to the chowder for that perfect vegetable corn blend.
2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen) Brings natural sweetness and crunch, infusing the soup with energy-boosting carbs and a vibrant pop of flavor.
1 large onion, chopped Forms the aromatic foundation, enhancing taste and depth while contributing anti-inflammatory properties.
2 cloves garlic, minced Adds robust flavor and health benefits, like immune support, to elevate the overall zucchini corn experience.
4 cups vegetable broth Serves as the liquid base, keeping the soup light yet flavorful and allowing veggies to take center stage.
1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative) Creates creaminess and balance, helping to make the chowder rich without overpowering the fresh elements.
1 teaspoon cumin Imparts warm, earthy notes that complement the vegetables, adding a layer of complexity to the dish.
1/2 teaspoon paprika Offers a mild smokiness and color, boosting antioxidants and tying the flavors together seamlessly.
Salt and pepper to taste Fine-tunes seasoning, ensuring the chowder is well-balanced and customizable for any palate.
2 tablespoons olive oil Used for sautéing, it adds healthy fats and helps develop the initial flavors in a zucchini corn preparation.
Instructions
First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Start by assembling all ingredients and dedicating 5 to 10 minutes to prep dice the zucchini, chop the onion, and mince the garlic to keep things organized. This mise en place streamlines cooking; for vegan options, prepare non-dairy milk ahead, and if going low-calorie, add more zucchini to enhance volume while maintaining the core zucchini corn flavors from the beginning.
Second Step: Sauté the Base Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir frequently to avoid burning, building a flavorful base; adapt for low-calorie by using a cooking spray instead of oil, or use vegetable broth for sautéing in vegan zucchini corn chowder to keep it light and plant-based.
Third Step: Add Vegetables and Spices Incorporate the diced zucchini and corn kernels, stirring in 1 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and cook for another 5 minutes on medium heat to soften the veggies. This allows flavors to meld; if making it vegan, ensure spices are oil-free, and for dietary tweaks, increase veggies like zucchini for a lower-calorie profile, enhancing the natural taste in this vegetable corn dish.
Fourth Step: Simmer the Soup Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, letting the ingredients cook until tender. Adjust heat to maintain a soft bubble, avoiding rapid boiling; here, you can substitute with non-dairy options for vegan needs or dilute with more broth for low-calorie versions, ensuring the zucchini corn chowder remains flexible and full of goodness.
Fifth Step: Blend and Add Creaminess Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for creaminess, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in 1 cup milk to reach your desired consistency. Blend carefully to leave some chunks for hér texture; for vegan adaptations, use nut milk, and if focusing on low-calorie, skip extra fat and rely on pureed veggies to achieve that smooth zucchini corn effect without compromises.
Final Step: Finishing Touches and Serving Taste and season with salt and pepper, simmering for 1 to 2 more minutes before serving hot, garnished with herbs or a swirl of yogurt this final step is quick and simple. Portion into 4 to 6 bowls for sharing; adapt by adding plant-based toppings for vegan preferences or keeping it simple for low-calorie meals, making zucchini corn chowder a customizable, hearty delight that’s ready to enjoy.
Notes
🥔 Use Yukon gold or red potatoes, or substitute cauliflower for a low-carb option.
🌶️ Add jalapeños and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, but adjust for heat sensitivity.
🥄 To thicken, use a roux or cornstarch; for creaminess, swap some cream with Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 10-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 185-209
- Sugar: 6-8g
- Sodium: 1282-1312mg
- Fat: 11-86g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 23-25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7-54g
Keywords: zucchini, corn, chowder, summer