Slow Cooker Vegan Corn Chowder with Green Chiles for Two

Photo by Kate Lewis

Fresh corn is one of the best signs that warm-weather cooking has arrived. When the first ears show up in a CSA box or at the market, it is hard to do anything other than eat them straight from the cob for a few meals. Once that first craving is satisfied, fresh corn becomes an incredible ingredient for simple soups, stews, salads, and plant-based dinners.

This vegan slow cooker corn chowder with green chilies is a light, creamy, and comforting soup made for two servings. It is especially good when fresh corn is in season, but frozen corn can also be used when you want an easy vegan corn chowder at another time of year. The slow cooker does most of the work, which makes this recipe ideal for a low-effort lunch or dinner.

One of the best parts of cooking with fresh corn is that the cobs can be used to flavor the broth. After the kernels are removed, the cobs still hold a sweet, earthy corn flavor that slowly infuses the soup as it cooks. Before blending, simply remove the cobs and discard them. This small step gives the chowder a fuller taste without adding extra ingredients or complicated preparation.

The green chilies, chili powder, and jalapeño powder or jalapeño salt add gentle heat and a Southwestern-inspired flavor. You can keep the spice level mild or adjust it to suit your taste. A spoonful of vegan sour cream or cashew cream on top makes the soup richer and gives each bowl a smooth finish. Serve this vegan crockpot corn chowder with a hearty green salad for a simple, satisfying meal.

This recipe is reprinted from Vegan Slow Cooking for Two or Just You with permission.

Vegan Slow Cooker Corn Chowder With Green Chilies for 2

Yield:
2 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
8 hours

Total Time:
8 hours 15 minutes

This vegan slow cooker corn chowder is a light summer soup that makes the most of fresh corn. The corn cobs are added to the slow cooker to flavor the broth, giving the soup a naturally sweet and rich corn taste. Green chilies and spices add warmth, while vegan sour cream or cashew cream creates a creamy finish.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels, from about 3 small ears of fresh corn, or frozen
• 1 to 2 corn cobs to flavor the broth
• 1 3-inch piece carrot
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon sautéed minced onion
• 1 tablespoon green chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon jalapeño powder or jalapeño salt
• Vegan sour cream or cashew cream, for topping

Instructions

1. Add the corn kernels, corn cobs, carrot, water, sautéed minced onion, green chilies, chili powder, and jalapeño powder or jalapeño salt to the slow cooker. Do not add the vegan sour cream or cashew cream yet. Cook on low for 6 to 9 hours.
2. Remove and discard the corn cobs. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the slow cooker, or carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and purée until smooth. Taste the chowder, then add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the chili powder or jalapeño powder to match your preferred spice level.
3. Serve warm with a dollop of vegan sour cream or cashew cream on top.

Notes

Fresh corn gives this chowder the best seasonal flavor, but frozen corn can be used when fresh corn is not available. If you use fresh corn, do not skip the cobs if you have them; they help create a deeper corn broth while the soup cooks.

For a milder soup, start with less jalapeño powder or use jalapeño salt sparingly. For more heat, add a little extra after blending and tasting. The final flavor should be creamy, lightly spicy, and naturally sweet from the corn.

This vegan slow cooker corn chowder is best served with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or another simple vegetable side. It is designed for two servings, making it a good choice for a small household, a light dinner, or a make-ahead lunch.

Reprinted from Vegan Slow Cooking for Two or Just You with permission.

Recommended Products

Helpful ingredients for this recipe include jalapeño salt, jalapeño powder, and chili powder.

• Jalapeño Salt
• Jalapeño Powder
• Chili Powder

Nutrition Information

Yield 2
Serving Size 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 381
Total Fat 14g
Saturated Fat 7g
Trans Fat 0g
Unsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 20mg
Sodium 531mg
Carbohydrates 61g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 16g
Protein 13g

Nutrition information is provided as a close estimate. If you have specific health concerns, enter the exact ingredients you use into the nutritional calculator recommended by your doctor or dietitian.

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this vegan slow cooker corn chowder, leave a comment and share how you adjusted the spice level.