Tomato and Corn Chowder Soup

Imagine the aroma of fresh tomatoes and sweet corn melding together in a comforting chowder.

This Tomato and Corn Chowder Soup is a breeze to prepare, offering a warm, cozy experience with every spoonful.

As the onions, garlic, and peppers sauté, they lay the foundation for a heartwarming dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Let’s bring this delightful soup to life and savor the flavors it offers.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 ladle
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 blender or immersion blender

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 4 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Tomato and Corn Chowder Soup, follow this timeline:

1. Initial Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Spend the first 5 minutes reviewing the recipe instructions and gathering all the necessary equipment and ingredients. This step guarantees you have everything at hand and understand the process.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes):
   • Minute 1-5: Dice the large onion and red bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves.
   • Minute 6-10: Chop the 4 large tomatoes and measure out 2 cups of corn kernels.
   • Minute 11-15: Chop the fresh basil and parsley, and measure out the olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and heavy cream.
3. Cooking (30 minutes):
   • Minute 16-18: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Minute 19-22: Add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot and sauté until soft.
   • Minute 23-24: Stir in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
   • Minute 25-26: Add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
   • Minute 27-28: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and corn kernels.
   • Minute 29-48: Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Blending and Finishing (5 minutes):
   • Minute 49-51: Use a blender or immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or blend half for a chunkier texture.
   • Minute 52-53: Stir in the heavy cream and heat through without boiling.
   • Minute 54-55: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and parsley.
5. Resting Time (5 minutes):
   • Minute 56-60: Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes before serving. During this time, you can clean up your workspace or set the table.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper and sauté until soft.

Stir in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Add vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

Stir in chopped tomatoes and corn kernels.

Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Use a blender or immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.

Stir in heavy cream and heat through without boiling.

Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and parsley.

Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair with a classic grilled cheese for a comforting and hearty meal.
• Green Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to complement the creamy soup.
• Avocado Slices: Top the soup with fresh avocado slices for added creaminess and a pop of color.
• Tortilla Strips: Garnish with crispy tortilla strips for a delightful crunch and extra texture.

Storage

To store Tomato and Corn Chowder Soup, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Thaw before reheating.

Freezing

To freeze Tomato and Corn Chowder Soup, allow it to cool completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with date and freeze.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Tomato and Corn Chowder Soup, gently warm it over low heat on the stove.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Tomato and corn chowder soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

It combines the sweetness of corn with the tanginess of tomatoes.

The addition of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick.

This soup isn’t only comforting but also versatile. You can adjust the spices and herbs to suit your taste.

The creamy texture from the heavy cream enhances the richness of the soup.

For an elevated experience, consider adding a touch of your favorite cheese on top before serving.

Enjoy this soup as a starter or a main dish. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, this chowder is sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh Ones?

Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes for fresh. Use one 28-ounce can, drained, for the 4 large tomatoes. Adjust seasoning as needed since canned tomatoes may have added salt and enhance the soup’s flavor.

Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative to Heavy Cream?

For a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, substitute with coconut cream or blend equal parts of silken tofu and plant-based milk. Each option maintains the soup’s creamy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions. Adjust seasonings as needed.

How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?

To spice up the soup, increase cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon. Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or diced jalapeño. Sauté jalapeño with onions and garlic for even heat distribution. Adjust to taste. Enjoy!

Can I Add Protein Like Chicken to This Recipe?

You can incorporate protein by adding 1 pound of cooked, shredded chicken. Stir it in after blending the soup for ideal texture. Verify it’s heated through before serving to maintain a consistent temperature in the chowder.

What Other Herbs Can Complement the Flavors in This Soup?

You can enhance the soup’s flavor by adding herbs like thyme, oregano, or cilantro. Use precise measurements: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, or 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro. These herbs will complement the existing ingredients perfectly.