Summertime Zucchini and Corn Chowder

Summertime Zucchini and Corn Chowder
Happy Tuesday everyone, I’m still recovering from the epic blueberry fest that I went on last week. The berries are all gone except for the few cups that I stowed away in the freezer for future use. Most were processed and canned for a low sugar blueberry basil jam. Since I’ve been spending so much time in the kitchen, the garden has been a second thought. Went down to water yesterday only to find two of my parsley plants had been pulled part way into the ground and their roots were missing…..those dang moles! I thought that the herb plants were too bitter for the animals, guess I was wrong. (sighing here)

Anyway this Summertime Zucchini and Corn Chowder will definitely chase away the garden blues. I enjoyed this soup best the first day as the veggies were still a little crisp. Still fantastic the next day, and the flavors were better developed. Once all the veggies are cut up, the soup comes together quickly. The chowder starts with a basic mirepoix of onion, carrot and celery. Then the rest of the ingredients are layered in according to how fast they cook. The key to creating a thick creamy chowder is to add extra veggies and puree’ or blend part of the soup until smooth. This way you can avoid the flour and keep the soup light and healthy. Hope you have a chance to enjoy a bowl of this cream and light chowder yourself, it really is delicious.

Summertime Zucchini and Corn Chowder garnished with Bacon


Yield: 5 to 6

Summertime Zucchini and Corn Chowder

INGREDIENTS:


  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 strips of bacon
  • 1 medium onion, small dice
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced thin
  • 2 medium stalks celery, sliced thin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 large Russet potato, small dice
  • 4 cups of water
  • 2 large ears of corn, husked and kernels cut
  • 1 medium zucchini, small dice
  • 1 medium yellow squash, small dice
  • 1 cup regular milk or half and half
  • 1 handful chives, chopped
  • 1 handful parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:


  1. In a large heavy soup pot add olive oil and then bacon, cook until bacon browns, remove from pan, cut into pieces and set aside. Dab out some of the bacon grease in the pan, you just want about a tablespoon.
  2. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until veggies begin to soften, add garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons of dry Sherry and stir bottom of pot with wooden spoon incorporating all the crispy bits at the bottom of the pan.
  3. Turn heat up to medium-high, add water, potatoes and bay leaves, bring to a boil and then turn down heat and cook potatoes until they are half done. Add zucchini and corn, cook about 5 to 6 minutes, until veggies are crisp-tender.
  4. Remove from heat, remove and discard the bay leaves. At this point you can use a hand held blender and blend a small portion, or remove a couple of cups and blend in food processor or blender, add liquid back in.
  5. Add milk, season with salt and pepper. Add chives and parsley.
  6. To serve, spoon chowder into bowls, garnish with herbs and bacon bits if desired.
Created using The Recipes Generator

Comments

  1. Oh how I love a good zucchini and corn chowder! Thank you for the reminder to whip one up this season! This looks delicious!

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  2. Corn chowder is one of the things I look forward to making the most when our Wisconsin corn comes to the farmers' market. I am also growing zucchini this year so your delicious recipe is a win-win for me!

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    1. Thanks Susan, oh I bet your Wisconsin corn is delicious, local produce is always the best;)

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  3. Just deklicious Cheri! I love zucchini !!

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  4. We also have a problem with moles and gophers. I am trying to eat lighter and your delicious looking soup is perfect for that.

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    1. Thanks Gerlinde, I've been trying to eat lighter too, but that does not always work.

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  5. Silly moles! I like your tip about blending part of the soup instead of using flour. This would go down a treat right now as it's so cold.

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  6. Yummmmmy! And to think the veggies are from the garden...even with the visit of a mole or two =)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kim, your so right, that really put things into perspective.

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  7. Corn and zucchini are definitely two of the best summer produce. The chowder looks very comforting!

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  8. I've never thought to add courgette to chowder, what a great idea and perfect for summer.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Caroline, it's another great way to use up zucchini.

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  9. I saw this on Instagram the other day and had to come and check it out. What a gorgeous summer soup! Love the flavor combination and I bet it is super delicious. Yeah chowder!!!

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  10. Yum, Summer dishes like this one are so tasty, love the idea☺

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  11. I love the idea of using zucchini in a corn chowder! A great way to use up some of those zucchinis and it looks delicious.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Amy, the zucchini pairs so well with the corn.

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  12. What a delicious way to celebrate summer! I love chowder and with fresh summer corn it sounds beyond delicious!

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    1. Thanks Chris, we've been having trouble buying corn on the coast, had to go inland.

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  13. Such a good one Cheri. In Phoenix its javelinas and there it's moles. Go figure.

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    1. So true, my sister just sent me a pic of javelinas with babies near her house, so adorable.

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  14. Oh my goodness Cheri this sounds seriously delicious. I'm making this!

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  15. This looks SO good! Love zucchini and corn - so perfect for summer!

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  16. Looks delicious. Surprisingly, even with our hot summer, it is still nice to have a light soup in the evening.
    Amalia
    xo

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  17. Such a hearty and comfy looking chowder. Zucchini and corn sound like a great combo, I am sure I will love this. Wonderful share.

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  18. So many great corn recipes, Cheri ~ this reminds me of a corn chowder I've been making since college from the Vegetarian Epicure cookbook, I love making this kind of soup with really great summer corn. And now I'm off to check out your corn and blueberry salad!!

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    1. Thanks Sue, corn has been hard to get ahold of this summer, hoping to pick up more today at the farmers market.

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  19. Looks YUMMO, but truth be told you had me at bacon with this Corn & Zucchini Chowder...

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    1. Aaaww thanks Sandra, bacon does make everything taste better doesn't it?

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  20. Sorry I am late on commenting, but I made this the other night for dinner and it was unbelievable! Of course, for me, I skip the garlic – and used pancetta instead of bacon. Just perfect! Don't you love summer with all the wonderful vegetables we are getting? You are missing a wonderful monsoon season here in Arizona! Storms daily and everything is so green.

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    1. Thanks David, glad you like the soup, you can't go wrong with summer veggies. Heard about the monsoons, sounds like a lot of activity this year.

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  21. corn chowder is a favorite of mine and i haven't had it yet this year! i love your idea of adding zucchini--this is a fantastic recipe!

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    1. Thanks Grace, I used the zucchini in an effort to use up some of it, will always make the chowder like this from now on, loved it.

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  22. This soup is delicious!!!

    Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

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