Hey foodies!
As the crisp autumn breeze starts to roll in and leaves turn those beautiful shades of gold and red, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm bowl of chowder. Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite recipes with you: Roasted Corn and Clam Chowder. This chowder is rich yet healthy, and it has that perfect balance of creamy goodness and fresh, vibrant flavors. Trust me, it’s like a hug in a bowl. 🌽🦪
### Why Roasted Corn and Clam Chowder?
Firstly, let’s talk about why I adore this chowder. Roasting the corn gives it a sweet, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the briny clams. Plus, it’s a great way to pack in the veggies and protein without feeling heavy. It’s guilt-free comfort food at its finest.
### Let’s Get Cooking!
#### Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 8 ears if using fresh)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 6 strips of bacon, chopped (optional, but oh so good!)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
– 1 quart clam juice or fish stock
– 2 cups water
– 2 cups whole milk (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
– 2 (10 oz) cans of minced clams, with juice
– Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
– A squeeze of lemon juice for that extra zest
#### Instructions:
1. **Prep and Roast the Corn:**
– If using fresh corn, shuck the ears and remove the kernels. If using frozen, just let them thaw a bit.
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the corn kernels on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Roast for about 20-25 minutes or until the corn is golden and slightly charred, stirring halfway through. This step elevates the sweetness and adds a lovely depth to the chowder.
2. **Cook the Bacon (Optional but Recommended):**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the delicious bacon fat in the pot. If you’re skipping the bacon, just add an extra tablespoon of olive oil.
3. **Sauté the Veggies:**
– Add the remaining olive oil (if needed) to the pot. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and celery. Cook until the onion is translucent and everything smells irresistible, about 5 minutes.
4. **Add Potatoes and Thyme:**
– Throw in the diced potatoes and thyme. Give everything a good stir to coat the veggies in all that flavor.
5. **Simmer with Liquids:**
– Pour in the clam juice (or fish stock) and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, roughly 15 minutes.
6. **Blend Half the Chowder:**
– CAREFULLY, transfer about half of the mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. This step makes the chowder thick and luxurious without having to use a ton of cream. Pour it back into the pot.
7. **Add Roasted Corn and Clams:**
– Stir in the roasted corn kernels and the canned clams with their juice. Let everything simmer for another 10 minutes.
8. **Final Touches:**
– Stir in the milk (or coconut milk). Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
– Ladle into bowls, garnish with the crispy bacon bits (if using) and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
### Personal Tips:
– **Make it Vegetarian:** Skip the clams and bacon, and use vegetable stock. Add extra roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor.
– **Thickening Trick:** For an even creamier chowder, you can mix 2 tbsp of cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry and stir it into the chowder just before serving. You’ll get that velvety texture without the need for extra cream.
– **Leftovers Love:** This chowder tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove.
### Serving Suggestion:
Serve this scrumptious chowder with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. You can also add a simple side salad for a complete meal. I love pairing it with a glass of chilled white wine or a light beer.
### Wrap-Up:
So there you have it, folks—my Roasted Corn and Clam Chowder. It’s hearty, healthy, and perfect for those cozy nights in. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Don’t forget to tag me in your photos—I love seeing your culinary creations!
Stay warm and happy cooking! 🌽🍲🦪
With love,
[Your Name]