![- Corn (4 cups, about 6 ears) - Zucchini (2 medium, diced) - Onion (1 medium, chopped) - Garlic (2 cloves, minced) Fresh corn gives this chowder sweet and bright flavors. I always choose ears with plump kernels. Look for shiny, green husks. The zucchini adds a nice texture and lightness. I like to dice them into small pieces. Onion brings depth, and garlic adds warmth. Together, they create a great base for our chowder. - Vegetable broth (4 cups) - Heavy cream or coconut milk (1 cup for dairy-free) The broth gives our chowder its heartiness. I use vegetable broth for a rich flavor. If you want a creamy texture, add heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk works well. It adds a hint of sweetness and richness. - Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) - Dried thyme (1 teaspoon) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil (2 tablespoons) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Seasoning is key to a great chowder. Smoked paprika adds a warm, earthy taste. Dried thyme brings a lovely herbal note. I suggest adding salt and pepper to suit your taste. Olive oil brings all the flavors together. Finally, fresh basil leaves add a bright finish. This final touch not only looks good but also enhances the aroma. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe link! - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir often until the onion turns clear. - Next, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. The smell will fill your kitchen! - Now, stir in diced zucchini and fresh corn. Cook for 3-5 minutes. - The zucchini should soften a bit. - Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil. This will blend all the flavors. - Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the chowder. This gives it a nice texture. - If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer half to a regular blender. Then, mix it back into the pot. - Finally, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. - Let the chowder simmer for 5-10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for the best flavor. For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy your delicious and creamy chowder! How to choose the freshest corn: When picking corn, look for bright green husks. The kernels should feel plump and firm. If you can, peel back the husk slightly to see the kernels. They should be moist and shiny. Fresh corn has a sweet smell. Try to buy it from local farmers' markets for the best taste. Tips on adjusting thickness and creaminess: If your chowder is too thick, add more vegetable broth. For a creamier texture, stir in extra heavy cream or coconut milk. Blending some of the chowder gives it a nice, smooth feel. Leave some chunks for a bit of texture. This balance makes each spoonful delightful. Dairy-free options for cream: To make this chowder dairy-free, use coconut milk. It adds creaminess without the dairy. Almond milk can also work, but it might change the flavor slightly. Alternative herbs and spices for flavor enhancement: If you want to switch things up, try fresh cilantro or parsley instead of basil. You can also use curry powder for a warm twist. A pinch of chili powder can add some heat. Experiment with what you like best! For the full recipe, check out the Sunny Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your chowder for a heartier dish. Shrimp works great in this recipe. Cook the shrimp separately and add them to the chowder just before serving. This keeps them tender and juicy. Chicken is another tasty option. Use cooked and shredded chicken for a quick mix-in. Just stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you prefer vegan dishes, consider using beans or lentils. Both add protein and texture. Chickpeas are a great choice. They blend well and pair nicely with the flavors of corn and zucchini. Adding extra veggies can boost the flavor and nutrition of your chowder. Spinach is an easy choice. Just stir in a handful during the last few minutes of cooking. It wilts quickly and adds a nice green color. Carrots are another good option. Chop them small and add them with the zucchini. They will cook through and add a touch of sweetness. You might also try diced potatoes. They make the chowder thicker and heartier. Add them early in the cooking process to ensure they soften up. Always adjust your recipe based on what is in season. Fresh produce will give your chowder the best taste. For a summer twist, try adding fresh herbs like dill or cilantro. These will brighten up your dish and make it shine. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas on how to make this chowder your own! After enjoying your chowder, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. The chowder will stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled chowder into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When it’s time to eat the chowder again, reheat it slowly. Use the stovetop for best results. Place it in a pot over low heat and stir often. This method keeps the flavors rich. If the chowder seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Stir until it reaches your desired consistency. Enjoy your warm, savory bowl of chowder! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make this chowder vegan, simply swap heavy cream for coconut milk. This will keep it rich and creamy. Use vegetable broth to ensure everything stays plant-based. You can also add extra veggies for flavor and texture. Consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers for a heartier dish. Yes, you can use frozen corn! It works well and saves time. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the chowder. Frozen corn often tastes sweet and delicious, making it a great substitute. You can skip the step of cutting fresh corn off the cob. To thicken the chowder, you have a few options. Blending part of the mixture helps create a smooth texture. You can also add a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the chowder and cook until it thickens. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder. We discussed fresh ingredients, including corn, zucchini, and onion. You learned the steps to prepare the chowder, from sautéing to blending. We also shared tips for perfecting the dish and possible ingredient substitutions. Finally, we explored variations and storage methods. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy experimenting with this chowder, and make it your own!](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2c69dde6-2df2-4d6a-aca3-fd754108ac12-300x300.webp)
Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder
Indulge in the flavors of summer with this Sunny Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder! Loaded with fresh corn, diced zucchini, and a hint of smoked paprika, this hearty chowder is perfect for warm days. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a delicious blend of comfort and nutrition. Discover how to make this delightful recipe and impress your family or guests. Click to explore the full recipe and savor the taste of summer!