Summery Chipotle Corn Chowder

 Summery Chipotle Corn Chowder is a vibrant and smoky soup that combines the sweetness of fresh corn with the rich, creamy texture of a chowder, balanced by a subtle heat from chipotle peppers. It's a perfect dish for a summer meal or any time you want a comforting yet zesty soup. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to your heat preference)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or a mix)

3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth

1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional, for added creaminess)

1 cup milk or heavy cream (for a creamier chowder)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional, for brightness)

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Crumbled tortilla chips (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics:

Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and chopped chipotle peppers and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add the spices and corn:

Stir in the ground cumin and cook for another minute. Add the corn kernels and diced potato (if using) to the pot and stir to combine.

3. Add the broth:

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the corn is fully cooked.

4. Blend part of the soup:

For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to purée about half of the soup directly in the pot, leaving some corn and potato chunks for texture. Alternatively, you can transfer part of the soup to a blender and then return it to the pot.

5. Add the milk and season:

Stir in the milk or heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice, if using. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

6. Serve:

Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and crumbled tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Summery Chipotle Corn Chowder is a wonderful combination of sweet corn, smoky chipotle, and creamy goodness. The addition of lime and cilantro gives it a refreshing, zesty finis

h, making it a perfect summer soup or year-round comfort food.