Soup · Dinner · Seasonal · American

Summer Corn and Chorizo Chowder

A vibrant Summer Corn and Chorizo Chowder that balances the natural sweetness of July produce with smoky, spicy heat for the ultimate warm-weather comfort.

4.6(163 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Summer Corn and Chorizo Chowder — American Soup served and photographed from above
Prep
20 min
Cook
30 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Corn Prep

  1. 1

    Milk the Cobs

    Cut the kernels off the cobs. Use the back of your knife to scrape the 'milk' from the cobs into a bowl. Reserve both kernels and milk.

    Tip: Place a small bowl inverted inside a large bowl to steady the cob while cutting.

How to Make Summer Corn and Chorizo Chowder

Total time: 50 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Crisp the Chorizo

    Add olive oil to a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the diced chorizo for 5 to 7 minutes until the fat renders out and the edges are crisp. Remove half of the chorizo with a slotted spoon to use as a garnish later.

  2. 2

    Soften the Aromatics

    In the same pot with the remaining chorizo oil, add the onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme, cooking for another 60 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Simmer the Vegetables

    Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, and corn milk to the pot. Pour in the stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.

  4. 4

    Cream and Blend

    Stir in the heavy cream. For a thicker texture, take 2 cups of the chowder and pulse it in a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a few seconds. Do not over-blend.

  5. 5

    Final Seasoning

    Taste the broth. Depending on the sweetness of your corn, add salt and black pepper as needed. Simmer for a final 2 minutes to allow flavors to marry.

Chef's Tips

  • Don't discard the cobs. You can simmer them in the stock for 10 minutes before starting the recipe to extract extra corn flavor.
  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes specifically as their starch creates a naturally creamy texture without becoming grainy.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, replace the red bell pepper with a diced poblano or jalapeño.

What to Serve with Summer Corn and Chorizo Chowder

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Serve with a thick slice of buttered sourdough toast.
  • Top with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to cut through the richness.

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Seafood Twist: Add 250 g of raw shrimp during the last 3 minutes of simmer.

Variation

Vegetarian Version: Use smoked halloumi or tempeh instead of chorizo and vegetable stock.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. Not recommended for freezing due to the potato and cream texture.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen corn for this chowder?

Yes, frozen corn works well, but you will miss the 'corn milk' from the fresh cobs which adds significant creaminess and depth.

Is Spanish chorizo the same as Mexican chorizo?

No. Spanish chorizo is cured and firm, while Mexican chorizo is raw ground meat. This recipe requires the cured Spanish variety for texture.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a blended cashew cream for a similar rich mouthfeel.

Why is my chowder thin?

The corn starch varies. If it is too thin, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot or blend a larger portion of the soup.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, but sauté the chorizo and aromatics first for best flavor. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding the cream at the very end.

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