(Note: this post was originally published on February 25, 2021. The date above reflects migration to the new platform.)
Soup is such perfect winter comfort food. This time of year, I make soup at least once or twice a week. I love how it warms up my whole body, and I love how great the leftovers are for busy evenings. This corn chowder is a much more nourishing re-invention of the classic and is one of my winter favorites.
When I was little, I absolutely loved corn chowder. I remember getting corn chowder in a bread bowl at Quincy Market in Boston and thinking it was the best thing I had ever experienced. But somewhere along the way in my journey toward more nourishing and plant-based food, I stopped enjoying creamy, heavy soups and hadn't had corn chowder in years.
I started making this squash-based version a few winters ago and it has become a go-to in our house. Instead of loads of cream, pureed butternut squash makes up the "creamy" base of this soup. It's a great trick for giving soup lots of body and flavor in a way that's still veggie-filled and good for the body.
I'm so happy I discovered this! Now I've reunited with my childhood love of corn chowder.
The other great thing about using squash is that it adds a lovely, subtle sweetness that complements the sweetness of the corn beautifully. While traditional chowder seems to be all about the cream, this one is loaded with tasty veggies that are the star of the show. I complement them with flavor-packed onion, lots of freshly ground black pepper, and wintry herbs to bring some complexity.
This soup is actually quite fast to make and comes together all in one pot (hooray!!). You'll saute the onion first, add the squash and cook it in your liquid of choice, puree it partially (an immersion blender is so easy!), then add the corn at the end. It takes less than 45 minutes from beginning to end, and is mostly hands-off time (during which you can whip up a wintry salad like this one, which will go with it perfectly).
There are a few ways you can modify this soup to make it your own. I prefer to just use water as the liquid, but adding in some coconut milk will yield an extra creamy result. It also works beautifully with sweet potato instead of butternut squash, or a combination of the two. Then top it however you like- crunchy nuts, a sprinkle of cheese, a drizzle of balsamic, or croutons would all be great. You could even make a toppings bar and let everyone build their own bowls.
Like many soups, this one freezes really well. Just put any leftovers in a tightly sealed container and stash it away for a busy evening later on. It will be fine in the freezer for a couple months.
Here's what you'll need for this recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
Do you have a particular food that is really nostalgic but that you don't feel great eating as an adult? Corn chowder was definitely that food for me. I loved the concept and memory of it, but not so much the ingredients. I'm so happy to have re-invented it in a way that's just as delicious, much better for the body, fresher tasting, and more colorful.
Hope this one brings you lots of coziness this winter!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
Roasted Brussel Sprout Waldorf Salad
Filled with comforting flavors, this hearty stew features sweet corn, cozy butternut squash, and fragrant fall herbs. This vegan chowder gets its creaminess from pureed squash, so it's a much more nourishing remake of the classic.
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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