Creamy Corn Chowder with Smoked Paprika (Print Version)
Velvety chowder packed with sweet corn, tender potatoes, and smoky paprika—a comforting bowl for cozy evenings.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
03 - 2 celery stalks, diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
07 - 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
→ Liquids
08 - 4 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1 cup whole milk
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 - 1 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
17 - Extra smoked paprika for sprinkling
# Directions:
01 - In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add potatoes, corn, smoked paprika, thyme, pepper, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine thoroughly.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
05 - Using an immersion blender, blend approximately one-third of the soup directly in the pot for a creamier consistency, leaving plenty of corn and potato pieces intact.
06 - Stir in milk and cream. Simmer gently for 5 additional minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The smoked paprika creates this magical depth that transforms ordinary corn soup into something that tastes like youve been cooking all day, but it only takes 45 minutes.
- You can customize the creaminess to your exact preference by blending more or less of the soup, creating your perfect texture without any fuss.
02 -
- Never let the chowder boil after adding the dairy or youll end up with a grainy, separated mess instead of that perfect silky texture.
- The soup thickens considerably as it cools, so dont panic if it seems a bit loose when first finished cooking.
03 -
- Reserve a half cup of corn kernels to stir in right at the end for an extra textural pop and burst of fresh corn flavor that makes people wonder what your secret is.
- A pinch of cayenne added alongside the smoked paprika creates a subtle heat that builds slowly, giving the chowder a wonderful warming quality without overwhelming the delicate flavors.