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Corn Chowder with Bacon and Fresh Herbs

Corn Chowder with Bacon and Fresh Herbs
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Corn Chowder with Bacon and Fresh Herbs is a rich and creamy soup featuring sweet corn, crispy smoky bacon, tender red potatoes, and fresh thyme and parsley. Perfect for chilly days or family dinners, it offers a comforting blend of velvety textures and bright, fresh flavors in every bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 6 strips bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cups red potatoes, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves or sprigs
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon strips in a large pot over medium heat until crispy and golden. Remove the bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced red potatoes to the pot then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in Corn and Herbs: Once potatoes are soft, add the sweet corn kernels and fresh thyme sprigs. Let the chowder cook for another 5 to 7 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. Finish with Cream and Bacon: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Chop the reserved bacon and add it back to the soup along with fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer for 2 more minutes.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn off the cob for best flavor, but frozen corn works well year-round.
  • Cooking aromatics in bacon fat adds deep, savory flavor.
  • Red potatoes hold their shape well; Yukon gold potatoes are a great alternative.
  • For a lighter chowder, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their brightness.
  • Leftover chowder stores up to 3 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 2 months (add fresh herbs after thawing).

Nutrition

Keywords: corn chowder, bacon chowder, creamy soup, comfort food, fresh herbs, gluten free soup

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/corn-chowder-with-bacon-and-fresh-herbs/