Hey fellow food adventurers!
Life's been a bit of a rollercoaster lately, hasn't it? Between unexpected home renovations and the general chaos of life, sometimes you just need a big bowl of comfort. That's where this golden vegan corn chowder steps in – like a warm hug on a chilly day.
I was recently battling a bit of a post-vaccine slump myself. Let me tell you, nothing says 'get well soon' like a bowl of creamy, dreamy soup. Forget your worries and join me in celebrating the small wins, like finally having a functioning shower! (You haven't lived until you've truly appreciated a hot shower!)
The weather’s playing its usual tricks, teasing us with autumn vibes then throwing a mini heatwave. I created this recipe during one of those autumnal moments, and honestly? I can't wait for the cooler weather so I can enjoy this soup all season long.
This isn't just any soup; it’s a symphony of sweet corn and smoky vegan chorizo, all swirled together in a creamy, plant-based hug. It’s also naturally gluten-free and oil-free if you wish. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up - a total win for those of us who want delicious food without the fuss. Add a side of some nice crusty bread for the perfect meal.
Here's the lowdown on what makes this soup so darn good:
- Grilled Corn: Grilling the corn first? It's a game-changer! It brings out this incredible smoky sweetness that will blow your mind and tastebuds. No BBQ? No worries! A hot pan works wonders too, and it makes a difference. It's a small effort for a huge payoff.
- Creamy Goodness: The base is made with almond or soy milk, white miso and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture. No dairy needed here!
- Vegan Chorizo: Pan-fried to crispy perfection, it adds this delicious, smoky and spicy note that elevates the soup to the next level. You can use your favourite brand. If you dont want to use chorizo, you can fry some smoked paprika and cornflour tofu.
- A Touch of Zest: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up and balances the sweetness of the corn. It's all about that flavor harmony.
Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 4-6 fresh corn cobs, kernels shaved (or use frozen or canned in a pinch, but grill them for best results)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or veggie stock for oil-free)
- 1 small onion or 8 spring onions/scallions, diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 litre almond or soy milk
- 2 tbsp white miso
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (plus more to garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice, adjust to taste
- 4 vegan chorizo sausages, sliced
- 4 tsp chilli oil (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- First, grill or pan fry your corn cobs, brushing with a little oil until charred. Remove the kernels and set aside a little for garnish, dont throw away the cobs!
- Sauté diced onion in a large pot with olive oil or veggie stock until softened.
- Add sliced garlic and cook for a couple more minutes.
- Pour in the plant milk and add the cobs. Bring to a simmer for 10 mins for flavour infusion.
- Remove and discard the cobs.
- Stir in the miso, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the corn kernels and blend until smooth and creamy. If you like a bit of texture, reserve a small portion of the kernels and add them back in after blending.
- Return the soup to the pot to warm up. Adjust the seasoning and lemon juice to your liking.
- Fry vegan chorizo until crispy in a separate pan.
- Serve up the soup, top with the chorizo, a drizzle of chilli oil (optional), a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and maybe some crusty bread on the side.
Notes:
- If you don't have fresh corn, don't fret! Frozen or canned will do the trick. Just be sure to char it a bit before adding to the soup for maximum flavour. One cob gives around 1/2 cup of kernels.
- Make sure your miso is gluten-free if that's a requirement.
There you have it – a bowl of pure, golden sunshine. This vegan corn chowder isn't just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. Perfect for those days when you need a little extra comfort and a lot of flavor. Happy cooking!
Let me know if you give it a try. Tag me in your creations! #HealthyHugs #VeganVibes