Sun-Dried Tomato Corn Chowder – Creamy One-Pot
Sun-Dried Tomato Corn Chowder is a creamy, one-pot soup that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of fresh corn with the rich, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. This hearty chowder is comforting and indulgent yet light, featuring simple pantry staples and fresh herbs. Ideal for a cozy lunch or an easy weeknight dinner, it’s versatile enough to cater to vegetarian, vegan, and protein-boosted preferences.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Produce
- Fresh corn kernels – 3 cups (about 4-5 ears of corn)
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – 3/4 cup
- Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
- Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
- Fresh thyme sprigs – 2-3 sprigs
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Dairy & Alternatives
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk – 1 cup
Pantry
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Vegetable or chicken broth – 4 cups
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant to build a savory base.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Corn: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh corn kernels, letting their flavors mingle and slightly caramelize for enhanced sweetness and depth.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the pot, along with fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to let it simmer, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Blend Partially for Creaminess: Using an immersion blender, gently blend about half of the chowder to create a thicker texture while leaving some corn chunks intact for a delightful bite.
- Stir in Cream and Seasonings: Lower the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste, letting the chowder heat through without boiling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the thyme sprigs, ladle the chowder into bowls, and garnish with fresh herbs or your favorite toppings before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh corn in season for the best flavor; frozen can be substituted if thawed properly.
- Allow sun-dried tomatoes and corn to slightly caramelize to deepen the flavor.
- Partial blending preserves crunchy texture while adding creaminess.
- Add cream gradually to control the thickness of the chowder.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs throughout cooking to maintain vibrant flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: sun-dried tomato chowder, corn chowder, creamy soup, one-pot soup, gluten free chowder, vegetarian chowder, vegan chowder option