This simple corn chowder recipe gets its flavorful creaminess from pureed corn.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
4 scallions, white bulbs and green tops chopped and reserved separately
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 ribs celery, chopped
1 pound (about 3) boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 cups fresh corn kernels (cut from 6 to 8 ears), divided
1 bay leaf
1 (32-ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
sour cream, for serving (optional)
Directions
In a large saucepan, melt butter over moderately low heat. Add scallion bulbs, bell pepper, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables start to soften, about 10 minutes.
Stir in potatoes, 2 cups corn, bay leaf, broth, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
In a blender or food processor, puree remaining 2 cups corn with milk.
Stir puree into soup along with black pepper. Simmer until soup thickens slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.
Remove bay leaf. Stir in scallion greens. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, if using.