Best Vegan Corn Chowder Instant Pot Recipe Made Easy

Updated On: October 5, 2025

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of corn chowder, especially when made vegan and effortlessly prepared in an Instant Pot. This best vegan corn chowder Instant Pot recipe combines the sweet, fresh flavors of corn with hearty potatoes, aromatic herbs, and creamy coconut milk to create a luscious, satisfying soup that’s perfect for any season.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this chowder offers a rich taste without any dairy or heavy creams.

Using the Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also melds the flavors beautifully, delivering a velvety texture that rivals traditional chowders. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder — minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!

Ready to cozy up with a bowl of this vibrant and nourishing vegan chowder? Let’s dive straight into why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan corn chowder is a dream come true for busy cooks and comfort food lovers alike. The Instant Pot speeds up cooking dramatically, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or when you want a hearty meal without hours in the kitchen.

Plant-based and allergen-friendly: This chowder is completely dairy-free, gluten-free, and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone seeking a lighter, nutritious soup option.

Rich and creamy texture: Thanks to coconut milk and blended potatoes, this chowder has an indulgent creaminess without needing any cream or butter. Sweet corn kernels add bursts of natural sweetness that balance the savory herbs and spices.

Moreover, the recipe is highly adaptable — you can easily swap in seasonal vegetables or add a bit of heat with spices, making it versatile all year round.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes for heat

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for sautéing
  • Blender or immersion blender (for creaminess)
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add the olive oil. When hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the aromas.
  3. Add potatoes and corn: Pour in the diced potatoes and corn kernels, stirring to combine with the sautéed onions and spices.
  4. Pour in broth: Add the vegetable broth, making sure the ingredients are submerged. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  5. Pressure cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
  6. Add coconut milk: Open the lid and stir in the canned coconut milk for creaminess. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, then return to the pot.
  7. Adjust seasoning: Taste the chowder and add salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if using, to your liking.
  8. Serve and garnish: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

To make this chowder even heartier, try adding diced carrots or celery when sautéing the onions.

If you prefer a thicker chowder, increase the amount of potatoes or reduce the broth slightly.

For a smoky twist, add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked sea salt.

Pro tip: Use fresh corn in season for the sweetest flavor, or frozen corn in off-seasons — it works just as well!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 5 g
Fat 10 g (mostly from coconut milk and olive oil)
Carbohydrates 30 g
Fiber 4 g
Sugar 6 g (natural sugars from corn and onion)
Sodium 450 mg (adjust based on broth and added salt)

Serving Suggestions

This vegan corn chowder pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or warm garlic toast for dipping. You can also enjoy it alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the soup.

For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light vegan quinoa salad or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. If you’re interested in exploring more delicious vegan recipes, check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or the delightful Leche De Pantera Recipe.

Conclusion

This best vegan corn chowder Instant Pot recipe is a flavorful, comforting, and nourishing meal perfect for any day of the week. Its creamy texture, balanced with the natural sweetness of corn and the earthiness of potatoes and herbs, makes it a true crowd-pleaser.

The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, so you can enjoy a wholesome homemade soup without the fuss.

Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan, this chowder offers a delicious way to enjoy seasonal vegetables in a simple yet elegant dish. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and pairings to make this recipe your own.

For more hearty and comforting vegan dishes, try our Julie Marie Eats Recipes which are sure to inspire your next meal!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Corn Chowder Instant Pot Recipe

Description: A creamy and hearty vegan corn chowder made quickly in the Instant Pot. Perfect for a comforting meal packed with fresh vegetables and plant-based flavors.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil.
  2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
  3. Add corn, potatoes, carrot, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and close the lid.
  5. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.
  6. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder for creaminess.
  7. Stir in almond milk and heat through for 2 minutes.
  8. Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 28g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegan Corn Chowder Instant Pot Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and hearty vegan corn chowder made quickly in the Instant Pot. Perfect for a comforting meal packed with fresh vegetables and plant-based flavors.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels”, “2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced”, “1 large carrot, diced”, “4 cups vegetable broth”, “1 cup unsweetened almond milk”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon dried thyme”, “Salt and black pepper to taste”, “2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Set the Instant Pot to saut\u00e9 and heat olive oil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic, saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add corn, potatoes, carrot, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and close the lid.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder for creaminess.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in almond milk and heat through for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “4g”, “fatContent”: “6g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X