The White Table Blog

Recipes + Charcuterie Boards + Articles

- Jan 22

Corn & Potato Chowder

Let's Talk About Soup Hugs! You know what's the best thing ever on a chilly day? A bowl of comfort, and I've got the perfect recipe for those types of days we have definitely been having around here in Oregon – Corn and Potato Chowder!

Hey Girlfriends! I am a SOUP-er soup fan! Are you?

I LOVE soup! I feel like any meal can practically be turned into a soup from tacos to pizza to a charcuterie board- ok wait that might be taking it a bit too far! But still. I love me some soup. Potatoes and corn are ingredients I always have on hand as a mostly vegetarian eater. They both act as foundations for many meals I love to make and also great to add as a side dish. I like to crisp up potatoes for breakfast burritos, on the side with rice and beans for taco night, or added to soups, salads, or with steak and chicken dishes. And corn - always adds a fresh sweet pop to any salad or in this delish soup!

WHAT'S IN IT

Corn - Sweet, juicy, and vibrant, corn adds a burst of natural sweetness to the chowder. Its golden kernels bring both flavor and texture, creating a delightful balance.
Potatoes - Potatoes are the hearty backbone of the chowder, providing a comforting and filling element. When cooked, they become tender, adding a satisfying texture to each spoonful.
Cilantro - Cilantro introduces a fresh and aromatic note to the chowder. Its bright, citrusy flavor complements the richness of the dish, adding a touch of freshness.
Half & Half - a blend of equal parts whole milk and cream, contributes to the creaminess of the chowder. It adds a luxurious and smooth texture, enhancing the overall richness.
Mexican cheese or Cheddar - The shredded cheese, whether Mexican or Cheddar, brings a savory and melty component to the chowder. It adds depth of flavor, creating a luscious and cheesy profile.
Onion - Onion, when sautéed, imparts a sweet and savory base to the chowder. Its aromatic qualities enhance the overall flavor profile, providing a foundational element.
Garlic - Garlic adds a subtle, savory kick to the chowder. When minced and cooked, it releases its aromatic and flavorful essence, elevating the taste of the dish.
Vegetable Stock - Vegetable stock serves as the liquid foundation for the chowder. It infuses the dish with a savory, umami depth, complementing the other ingredients and forming the flavorful base.
Butter - Butter contributes richness and a velvety texture to the chowder. When melted, it adds a comforting and indulgent quality, enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
Salt & Pepper - Salt and pepper are the dynamic duo that season the chowder, balancing the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the dairy. They play a crucial role in bringing all the flavors together.

3 REASONS I AM OBSESSED WITH SOUPS

1. A Hug in a Bowl

Picture this: a warm, cozy hug for your taste buds. That's what soups are – a delightful embrace that warms you up from the inside. Perfect for those days when you just need a little extra love.

2. Nostalgia on a Spoon

Soups are like a trip down memory lane, don't you think? Whether it's Grandma's secret recipe or that bowl you had on a rainy day, there's something heartwarming about the memories they bring back.

3. Versatility and Variety Soups are like the chameleons of the food world

Creamy bisques, chunky stews – there's a soup for every mood and craving. The variety is like a little adventure for your taste buds.

Let's Get Cooking – Corn and Potato Chowder

Ingredients (aka the Squad):

8 medium-sized potatoes (the cool kids of the bunch), peeled and diced
4 cups fresh corn kernels (straight from the corn party)
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese (cheese, the life of any gathering)
6 cups vegetable stock (the supporting cast)
1 cup half and half (the cream dream team)
2 cloves garlic (the sassy twins), minced
1 medium onion (the social butterfly), diced
2 tablespoons butter (the smooth operator)
1 cup chopped cilantro (the fresh and fabulous)
Salt and pepper (the dynamic duo) to taste

Cooking Up the Magic:

Melt the butter – cue sizzle soundtrack! Add in the onion and garlic, let them mingle until they're basically gossiping about how good this is gonna be (about 5 minutes).
Pour in the vegetable stock – it's the base, the squad leader. Add the potatoes and let them simmer into tender perfection (about 15 minutes).
Time for the half and half and half of the corn. Simmer a bit more – let the flavors dance together (5-7 minutes). Blend if you're feeling a bit fancy and want that extra creaminess.
Here comes the grand finale – cheese, the rest of the corn, cilantro, and the salt-pepper dynamic duo.
Season to taste and voila! Your masterpiece is ready.

Let's Dish About the Flavor Explosion

Imagine this – creamy goodness, sweet corn vibes, and a party of savory flavors. It's like a taste explosion that'll have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Pure comfort in every spoonful!

Make It Yours – Soup, Your Way

Feeling a bit wild? Customize this recipe like your favorite playlist. Add in some extra veggies, play with the spices – make it your own. The beauty of comfort soups is they're all about you.

Time to Cozy Up

As you spoon into this Corn and Potato Chowder, feel the warmth, share it with your besties, and let comfort take the spotlight. Because in the world of cozy, this soup is the headliner.