Creamy Corn & Zucchini Chowder

🌽 Creamy Corn & Zucchini Chowder

🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins

🍲 Cook Time: 25 mins

🍽️ Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium zucchini, diced

• 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced

• 3 cups fresh or frozen corn (about 4 ears of fresh corn)

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, but adds depth)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half (or a plant-based option like oat milk)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional for richness)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Cook Veggies:
   Add diced zucchini, potatoes, corn, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir to coat with the aromatics. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Simmer:
   Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Make it Creamy:
   Using an immersion blender, blend about half of the soup directly in the pot to thicken it, leaving some chunks for texture. (Or carefully transfer 2 cups to a blender and return it to the pot.)

5. Add Milk & Season:
   Stir in milk (or cream alternative) and Parmesan or nutritional yeast. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

6. Serve:
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Add protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or tofu at the end.

• Extra veggies: Add diced bell pepper or celery with the onions.

• Vegan version: Use olive oil, plant milk (like oat or almond), and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

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