There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of corn chowder, especially when it’s packed with fresh vegetables and rich, creamy flavors. For those following a plant-based lifestyle or simply looking to enjoy a hearty, dairy-free meal, vegan corn chowder is a delicious and satisfying option.
This recipe uses wholesome ingredients like fresh corn, potatoes, and coconut milk to create a velvety texture without any animal products. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this chowder is easy to make, nourishing, and perfect for any season.
In this post, we’ll explore a few delightful vegan corn chowder recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences. From classic creamy chowder to a spicy twist, you’ll find versatile options to enjoy this timeless dish.
Plus, I’ll share tips on making it extra flavorful, how to customize it, and ideas for serving. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of vegan corn chowder!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan corn chowder is a fantastic way to enjoy a nourishing, filling meal that’s both comforting and light on the stomach. The natural sweetness of fresh corn combined with hearty potatoes and aromatic herbs creates a beautiful balance of flavors.
Using plant-based milk or broth keeps the recipe dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your cravings. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests.
Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made soy-free too! For anyone looking to expand their plant-based recipe collection, this chowder is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 5-6 ears of corn if fresh)
- 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 stalks celery (chopped, optional)
- 1 medium carrot (diced, optional)
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for creamier texture)
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, celery, and carrot (if using), and mince the garlic. If using fresh corn, carefully remove kernels from the cob.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil or vegan butter in your soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add potatoes, corn, and broth: Pour in the diced potatoes, corn kernels, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the chowder: Let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Blend for creaminess: For a creamier chowder, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Add coconut milk and season: Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for another 5 minutes but do not boil.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Enjoy warm!
Tips & Variations
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the garlic.
Roasting the corn before adding it to the soup adds a wonderful smoky depth of flavor.
If you prefer a thicker chowder, add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour or cornstarch mixed with a little cold water before adding the broth.
Try swapping coconut milk with cashew cream or oat milk for different creamy textures.
Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or kale to vary the recipe.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan corn chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
You could also enjoy it as a starter before diving into more extensive meals like those in our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.
For an added touch, sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds or crispy fried shallots on top. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors just before serving, adding a zesty contrast to the creamy base.
Conclusion
Vegan corn chowder is a delightful, comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the year. Its creamy texture, natural sweetness from corn, and the heartiness provided by potatoes make it a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs.
This recipe is simple to prepare but incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite spices and vegetables.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this corn chowder will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to explore other exciting plant-based recipes such as the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to keep your menu fresh and exciting!
More Vegan Corn Chowder Recipes to Try
Classic Vegan Corn and Potato Chowder
A faithful rendition of traditional corn chowder using simple ingredients and coconut milk for creaminess. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of corn and the earthy comfort of potatoes.
Ingredients
- 3 cups corn kernels
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent.
- Add potatoes and vegetable broth; simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Add corn and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with thyme and serve warm.
Spicy Vegan Corn Chowder with Jalapeños
For those who love a little heat in their bowl, this recipe incorporates jalapeños and smoked paprika to add a spicy, smoky flavor to the creamy chowder base.
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 1-2 jalapeños, minced (adjust for heat preference)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté onion and jalapeños until softened.
- Add potatoes, broth, and smoked paprika; simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Add corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in coconut cream and season to taste.
- Serve garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions.
Vegan Corn and Sweet Potato Chowder
This twist uses sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, adding a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the chowder. It’s a nutritious and flavorful variation that’s perfect for fall and winter.
Ingredients
- 3 cups corn kernels
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add sweet potatoes, broth, and cumin; simmer until sweet potatoes are soft.
- Add corn and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
- Blend partially for creaminess or serve chunky.
For more creative and hearty vegan recipes, be sure to check out our collection of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and explore new ways to enjoy plant-based meals every day!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Corn Chowder
Description: A creamy and comforting vegan corn chowder made with fresh corn, potatoes, and coconut milk. Perfect for a hearty meal that's both dairy-free and delicious.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; sauté until softened.
- Add diced potatoes, corn kernels, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for creaminess.
- Stir in coconut milk and lemon juice; heat through but do not boil.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 32 g
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