Potato Corn Chowder Recipe (Dairy Free!) | The Gracious Pantry (2024)

FAQs

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.

Cook It Longer

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.

Corn Chowder is a type of chowder that originated in the Midwestern and Southern United States, where corn is a staple crop. The dish was popularized in the 1800s, when settlers in these regions would use the abundant corn harvest to create a thick and hearty soup.

Chowder is a soup with cream or milk mixed with ingredients such as potatoes, sweet corn, smoked haddock, clams and prawns, etc. Some cream-style chowders do not use cream, and are instead prepared using milk and a roux to thicken them.

Add coconut milk.

Other plant-based milks can get the job done, but there's something special about the richness of full-fat coconut milk. If you're not a fan of coconut-y flavor, this is (obviously) not the move—it's difficult to mask the fruity nuttiness.

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.

Even if you don't purée the soup with a blender, potatoes release starch as they cook — thickening the broth with a satisfying velvety consistency. In fact, we've written before about how helpful frozen hash browns can be when cooking creamy soups.

How Much Cornstarch to Thicken Soup? 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.

Panera at Home Southwest Corn Chowder due to an undeclared wheat allergen. The recall is limited to 1 SKU of 16 oz.

What ingredient does chowder always have? ›

Customarily, chowder included onion, potatoes, and cream.

A bisque is a smooth, creamy French style of soup, traditionally made from crustaceans like lobster, crab or crayfish. It should include a stock made from the shells, a large amount of cream, and a thickening agent made from either finely-ground shells or rice. The meat is typically cooked and used as a topping.

Russets or all-purpose baking potatoes are high in starch and low in moisture. In soups, they will soak up the liquid and lose their shape. This makes them the ideal choice for making creamy soups or thickening a runny soup. Try using Russet potatoes to create the perfect Loaded Potato Soup.

In fact, did you know that Edwards County, Illinois, is the Chowder Capital of the World? So ordained the county commissioners in 1958 as a salute to downstate chowder. Also known as southern Illinois chowder, downstate chowder bears virtually no resemblance to seafood chowder.

Sour Cream, Crème Fraîche, or Mascarpone

These three ingredients can be used in place of heavy cream with a one-to-one substitution with just a few caveats. Sour cream will add tanginess to your dish, and if you use it for soups or other hot dishes, it's best to add it in at the end to avoid curdling.

Sour cream has a high enough fat content—about 20%—to make it a good substitute for heavy cream in some savory recipes, such as soups or chili. However, while some chefs swear that sour cream is a key ingredient for a killer whipped cream, it generally can't be used on it's own to make whipped cream.

Another option for thickening soup is by using dairy like sour cream or yogurt. Start with a small dollop and stir before checking the consistency and adding more. We recommend using plain yogurt so you don't alter the taste of the soup. You can also use cream if you prefer.

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.