Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

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4.91 from 20 votes

This healthy vegan corn chowder is super creamy, rich, and comforting. The recipe is plant-based, gluten-free, low-fat, and easy to make in one pot in about 30 minutes. It’s a great dinner or side for the summer months when fresh corn is in season. But it can also be made in the cooler months with frozen corn. This hearty, thick soup tastes best when you serve it in a bread bowl!

Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (1)

Creamy Vegan Corn Chowder

This easy corn chowder recipe is loaded with healthy produce which I love. It contains sweet corn, fresh from the cob, potatoes, red bell pepper, celery, and garlic. If you don’t have access to fresh corn (peak season lasts from May through September), don’t worry because you can also use frozen corn! I like using fresh corn though because I simply love the flavor and sweetness.

Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (2)Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (3)

How To Thicken The Soup?

This vegan soup contains potatoes, which make the corn chowder thick and creamy. I also added cannellini beans to make the soup even thicker, richer and creamier! In addition, they add healthy plant-based protein which is a great bonus in my opinion!

Blending the soup makes it creamy, smooth, thick and comforting. This hearty soup is a medium thickness but if you want it even thicker I would suggest using just 3 cups of vegetable broth.

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How To Make Vegan Corn Chowder?

Making this healthy potato corn chowder is really easy and can be done in one pot!

  • After you chop the veggies, minced the garlic and removed the corn from the cob, you need to saute the veggies and garlic in the pot for a few minutes.
  • Then simply add all other ingredients (except the coconut milk and white beans) and bring the soup to a boil. Let simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  • Finally, add cannellini beans, and coconut milk. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to blend the soup to your desired thickness. I love it when soups are smooth and creamy but feel free to leave some chunks!

If you want to make this vegan corn chowder in a crockpot (slow cooker), here is how: I would recommend frying the garlic and veggies in a skillet for 3-5 minutes and then add all ingredients (except the coconut milk and the white beans) to the crockpot.

Simply cook for about 6 hours on low or about 3-4 hours on high until potatoes are tender. Then add the coconut milk and beans and blend with an immersion blender.

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Can I Freeze Corn Chowder?

Corn chowders that contain milk (dairy) will not freeze well. So if you are a vegetarian and make this corn chowder with cow’s milk (instead of coconut milk) it might not be a good idea to freeze it.

My suggestion would be to either use coconut milk (which freezes better than dairy milk and is furthermore healthier and cruelty-free) or only add the dairy milk when you reheat the soup.

You can freeze this vegan corn chowder for up to 3 months. Thaw it completely before you heat it back up in a pot.

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This Easy Corn Chowder Recipe Is:

  • Vegan
  • Healthy
  • Gluten-Free
  • Low in fat
  • Flavorful
  • Hearty
  • Comforting
  • Creamy
  • Rich
  • A delicious dinner or side
  • Cooked in one pot

Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (7)

Ready In About 30 Minutes

I love quick and simple recipes and this easy corn chowder is definitely one of them. All you need is one pot, all the ingredients (which are available in any supermarket), and an immersion blender. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you could also use a regular blender. Please make sure to blend the soup in batches and to not overfill the container of the blender.

The soup is ready in about 30 minutes and the preparation takes just 10-15 minutes.

I once served the corn chowder in a bread bowl because it looks cute and is a great idea for a party!

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Should you recreate this creamy vegan corn chowder recipe, please leave a comment below and don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram or Facebook post with @elavegan and #elavegan because I love to see how your corn soup turned out!

And for more vegan soups, definitely also check out the following recipes:

  • White Bean Soup
  • Creamy Pasta Soup
  • The Best Lentil Soup
  • Vegan Tortilla Soup
  • Thai Coconut Curry Soup
  • Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup
  • Vegan Gumbo

Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (10)

Creamy Vegan Corn Chowder

Author: Michaela Vais

This healthy vegan corn chowder is super creamy, rich, and comforting. The recipe is plant-based, gluten-free, low-fat, easy to make in one-pot. It's a great dinner or side for the summer months when fresh corn is in season. But it can be also made in the cooler months with frozen corn. This hearty thick soup tastes best when you serve it in a bread bowl!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 12 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 354 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tbsp oil
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 (150 g) red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 (90 g) stalks celery chopped
  • 3 (400 g) small/medium potatoes chopped
  • 4 (400 g) medium ear fresh corn or use frozen
  • 4 cups (900 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup coconut milk canned
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt + more to taste
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or less/more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Ground thyme to taste
  • Fresh herbs to garnish

Instructions

  • Watch the video (scroll down a bit) to see all instruction steps.

  • Chop the bell pepper, potatoes, and celery stalks into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic and cut corn off the cob. Save about 3/4 cup of corn kernels for later.

  • Heat oil over medium heat in a large pot and add garlic. Sauté for about a minute or two, then add the chopped bell pepper, celery stalks, corn, and all spices. Sauté for about 4 minutes. Stir occasionally.

  • Next add the potatoes, the vegetable broth, bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil.

  • Once it starts boiling, turn down the heat to a simmer and cook the soup for about 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.

  • Take out the bay leaf. Add coconut milk and the rinsed cannellini beans.

    Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (11)

  • This is how the soup looks before blending.

    Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (12)

  • Blend the soup using an immersion blender until it's smooth (or leave a few chunks if you prefer). You can also blend the soup in a regular blender. Make sure to work in batches and not to overfill the blender.

    Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (13)

  • Add the remaining corn kernels to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt/pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Recipe serves 4. Nutrition facts are for one serving.

Nutrition Facts

Creamy Vegan Corn Chowder

Amount per Serving

Calories

354

% Daily Value*

Fat

14

g

22

%

Carbohydrates

41.8

g

14

%

Fiber

9.2

g

37

%

Sugar

11.6

g

13

%

Protein

10.6

g

21

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically

Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (14) Simple and Delicious Vegan Cookbook by ElaVeganCLICK HERE to order!

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Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (15)

Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

FAQs

What can I use to thicken corn chowder? ›

Cornstarch is a great option as it is a natural thickening agent, but you'll want to be careful about how much you use. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch whisked together with cold water to create a slurry. Then, gradually add the slurry to the soup, letting it boil for one to two minutes before adding more.

Can I use sour cream instead of cream in chowder? ›

If you prefer to use sour cream or Greek yogurt, you can “temper” it to prevent it from curdling. Simply place the sour cream or yogurt in a heat-safe bowl. Add a few splashes of the warm soup liquid, stirring after each, until the mixture is warmed through. Then stir the mixture into the soup.

Why is my corn chowder watery? ›

Sometimes soup just needs to simmer longer to reach the perfect consistency. Check to see if the vegetables are tender, and then taste the broth. If the soup tastes a bit watery, give it more time.

What is corn chowder made of? ›

Onion, celery, garlic, and red bell pepper – They create the savory base of the soup. Yukon Gold potatoes – They add delicious chunks to this corn chowder recipe, and they contribute to its creamy texture. Old Bay Seasoning – It adds more savory flavor and a hint of spice. Smoked paprika – For smokiness.

How do you thicken vegan chowder? ›

Arrowroot starch– both of these will work like a roux. Mix mix 1 tablespoon of arrowroot starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth then stir into the soup. May need to double or triple that depending on how much soup you have. Simmer gently to thicken.

Is it better to thicken chowder with flour or cornstarch? ›

The most classic and surefire way to thicken a broth-based soup is with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together equal parts cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water or broth, then whisk it into the pot of soup. A good ratio to get to a pleasant thickness without your soup tasting goopy or heavy is one tablespoon.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream in chowder? ›

I use evaporated milk for the creaminess without the cream. Many use milk and some use half-and-half. Chowder should be simple and flavorful from the fish or clams, potatoes and onions and never "mucked up." Okay, so I am a chowder purist! :) I have also given my own clam and corn chowder variations.

What is a substitute for heavy cream in chowder? ›

Milk and cornstarch

To replace 1 cup (237 mL) of heavy cream in your recipe, add 2 tablespoons (19 grams) of cornstarch to 1 cup (237 mL) of milk and stir, allowing the mixture to thicken. You can use whole milk or opt for skim milk to help slash the calories and fat content of your recipe.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of cream in chowder? ›

Unlike cream, which runs the risk of splitting once added, evaporated milk can be mixed into the chowder's entourage when the clams are added. Thus, a steamy bowl of clam chowder is created, whose flavor whole-heartedly sings with a warming fishy essence. It's rich, it's divine, it's utterly moreish.

How to thicken corn chowder without cornstarch? ›

To thicken soup with flour, you need to make a roux. Melt a tablespoon or so of butter in another pan. Mix in a tablespoon or so (1:1 ratio) of flour. Stir until smooth and then add the mix to your hot soup and stir in.

Will heavy cream thicken corn chowder? ›

However, chowder can also get a bad reputation due to the large amounts of butter, bacon, and heavy cream that are often used to thicken it and add flavor. As a result, it can be a super-rich dish.

How to add egg to soup without curdling? ›

Occasionally, a soup recipe will call for beaten eggs as a thickening agent. Both whole eggs and yolks can be used. To avoid curdling the eggs, start by drizzling about ½ cup of the hot broth into the eggs, stirring vigorously while you pour. Then add the egg mixture to the soup and cook until thickened.

What two ingredients must be present for the soup to be called a chowder? ›

Firstly, What Exactly Is Chowder?
  • Seafood – The core ingredient (clam, lobster, fish).
  • Seasoning – Typically happens through whole ingredients, like diced onions, celery, bacon, and herbs.
  • Liquid – Milk or cream is essential to the recipe, though many variations also include the use of vegetable stock to thin the stew.

What ingredient does chowder always have? ›

Customarily, chowder included onion, potatoes, and cream. Nowadays, not all chowders adhere to these guidelines. New England Clam Chowder is sometimes made with milk, whereas Manhattan Clam Chowder doesn't have any milk or cream but has a tomato base instead.

What thickens chowder? ›

Start by using 1 tablespoon of cornstarch at a time, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. More cornstarch slurry can be added, but be sure not to add too much. Only mix in a small amount of slurry at a time to ensure that your soup will thicken properly. Using corn starch is a fast, effective way to thicken soup.

What is the best thickener for chowder? ›

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

How do I make my chowder thicker? ›

About this method: One of the most common ways to thicken sauces and soups is with a starch-based slurry, and cornstarch is a popular choice. Cornstarch is flavorless, easy to mix up, and versatile, which makes it a go-to pantry ingredient.

What is usually a main thickening agent of chowder? ›

A roux is the most common thickener for sauces and soups and comes in three colors and strengths: white, blond, and brown.

References

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