Description
A creamy, hearty, and comforting ham and corn chowder recipe, perfect for a chilly evening. This easy-to-make chowder is packed with flavor and brings back fond memories.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ham, diced
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced ham and cook until lightly browned. Remove ham with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add diced potatoes, corn kernels, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Return the browned ham to the pot.
- Bring the chowder to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together milk and heavy cream. Slowly stir this mixture into the chowder.
- If you prefer a thicker chowder, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering chowder and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Ladle the creamy ham corn chowder into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like peas or green beans for more substance.
- To make a cheesy ham and corn chowder, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end until melted.
- Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired chowder thickness.
- This chowder can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg