Mexican Corn Chowder

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Corn chowder holds a special place in the hearts of families who treasure its simplicity and rich flavor. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to quiet coastal towns, this delicious soup has entered the hearts and kitchens of diverse communities.

At the heart of this recipe is the main ingredient – fresh, juicy corn. But it’s not just the corn that makes this soup so charming; the supporting ingredients play an equally important role. Tender chunks of potatoes offer a hearty addition to the corn chowder, while colorful hot peppers and onions provide a delightful burst of freshness. Traditional Mexican spices such as mixed peppers, bay leaf, and garlic blend together, teasing the flavor with a welcoming warmth.

And the addition of heavy cream works wonders, transforming this corn chowder into a silky dish that is impossible to resist.

What Is Chowder?

Chowder is a type of hearty soup that typically consists of chunks of various ingredients, such as seafood, vegetables, and sometimes meat, cooked in a creamy or broth-based soup base. The term “chowder” is thought to have originated from the French word “chaudière,” which referred to a cooking pot or cauldron.

Chowders are often associated with coastal regions, particularly in the United States and parts of Canada, where seafood is abundant. The most well-known type of chowder is clam chowder, which originated in New England and is made with clams, potatoes, onions, and often celery in a creamy base.

Besides clam chowder, there are various other types of chowders that use different main ingredients, such as fish, shrimp, corn, chicken, and more. The key features of chowders are their hearty and comforting nature, with a combination of ingredients cooked together to create a flavorful and filling soup.

What Is Corn Chowder?

Corn chowder is a type of chowder soup that prominently features corn as its main ingredient. It’s a creamy and hearty soup that often includes a combination of corn kernels, vegetables, and sometimes other ingredients like potatoes, bacon, or cheese. Corn chowder is known for its rich and comforting flavor profile.

This Mexican corn chowder recipe adds zesty Mexican spices to the traditional soup for an exciting and hearty flavor your family will love! And if you’re teaching your kids life skills such as helping in the kitchen, this would make a lovely dish they can help you prepare.

Ingredients for Mexican Corn Chowder:

• 3 ears of corn
• 2 tbsp. corn grits
• 6 cups of water
• 8 strips of bacon
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 onion
• 1 tsp. peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ cup grated cheese
• ¼ cup diced jalapenos
• ¼ cup diced sweet peppers
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions for Mexican Corn Chowder

1. Peel the corn. Cut off the kernels and set them aside.

2. Now you will make the corn broth. Place the leaves of the corn and the fresh corn husks in a large pot. Fry the onion slices until dark in color and place in the pot. Add the peppercorn, garlic, and bay leaf. Pour in 6 cups of water and let it come to a boil. Then simmer the broth for about 35 minutes. Strain the broth into a saucepan.

3. Heat oil in a pot or deep pan. Add the corn and chopped bacon and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Now you will add the sauteed mixture to the broth. Pour in the corn grits as well. Cook the corn chowder over low heat for about 20 minutes after it comes to a boil. Add the cream and then whisk the chowder. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the corn chowder into soup bowls. Sprinkle the soup with the grated cheese, jalapeños, and sweet peppers.

Other Dinner Recipes with Corn:

• Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers with Grilled Corn
• Sweet Corn Chowder
• Tasty Chicken Tortilla Soup

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