Are you ready to experience the ultimate comfort food that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds? This Corn and Ham Chowder is not just another soup – it's a creamy, hearty masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily make at home. Imagine a spoonful of rich, velvety goodness packed with sweet corn, savory ham, and a luxurious cream base that will make you forget all about store-bought soups forever!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced ham
- 2 cups corn, fresh or frozen
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of diced ham, 2 cups of corn (fresh or frozen), 1 chopped onion, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the diced ham to the pot and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the ham to heat through and release its flavors.
- Stir in the corn, mixing it well with the onion and ham. If using frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chowder simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- After simmering, stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well to incorporate the cream into the chowder.
- Season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Allow the chowder to heat through for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the chowder is hot and well-seasoned, remove it from the heat. Serve hot in bowls, garnishing with additional diced ham or fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Corn and Ham Chowder with crusty bread or crackers on the side!
Tips
- Use fresh corn when in season for the most vibrant flavor, but high-quality frozen corn works perfectly too.
- Don't rush the sautéing process – letting the onions and ham develop their flavors is key to a deep, rich taste.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of half-and-half or use whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- If you want a thicker chowder, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added texture and flavor.
- This chowder freezes well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter cream alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 50mg
