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Potato Corn Chowder

3.3

(22)

This satisfying chowder is sweetened with summer corn and made extra-creamy by adding the milky starch from the cobs.

Cooks' note:

Chowder, without scallions, can be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered. Stir in scallions before serving.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 1/2 hr

  • Yield

    Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

3 ears corn, shucked
2 quarts water
1 pound red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (2 1/4 cups)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, halved lengthwise, then sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 thyme sprigs
2 Turkish bay leaves or 1 California
3 cups heavy cream
3 scallions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Garnish:

chopped cilantro

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cut corn from each cob, then hold cob upright in a bowl and scrape with knife to extract "milk."

    Step 2

    Bring cobs, water, potatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a large pot, covered, then boil, covered, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Discard cobs.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, cook onion, carrot, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is pale golden, about 10 minutes.

    Step 4

    Add bell pepper, corn and its "milk," thyme, and bay leaves. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes.

    Step 5

    Stir in potatoes with water and cream and gently boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 7 cups, about 30 minutes. Stir in scallions, white pepper, cayenne, and salt to taste. Discard bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

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