CORN TOMATO CHOWDER

This is lighter version of a classic corn chowder and uses tomatoes for a portion of the broth and is delicious. If you substitute smoked paprika for the bacon it’s vegan. Be sure to cook the potatoes until almost tender before adding the tomatoes since the acidity in the tomatoes will prevent them from cooking properly.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely diced

1 shallot or leek, trimmed washed well, halved lengthwise and cut into ½-inch half rounds (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 slices bacon, diced (optional) or 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimenton)

1 teaspoon fresh thyme or dried thyme (optional but very good)

1 large or 2 smaller sweet green or red peppers, seeds and membranes removed and diced

1 small jalapeño or serrano, minced (if you want a little heat, especially if you’re using sweet peppers instead of anaheims or poblanos)

Kernels from 4-6 ears of corn, sliced off the cob

2 cups potatoes, well scrubbed but not peeled and cut into 1/2 –inch dice

1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth

2 cups diced fresh tomatoes or 1 14-ounce can roasted tomatoes

Salt and freshly ground pepper

A little chopped parsley (optional) and or chives or scallion tops for serving

 

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium high heat. Add the onions and bacon (if using) and thyme (if using) and sauté for about 5 minutes. If you’re not using bacon and have smoked Spanish paprika (pimenton) add a teaspoon of it at this stage.

2. Add the garlic and the peppers and cook for another 5 minutes.

3. Add the potatoes and saute for a few minutes. Add the water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and some black pepper and bring to a simmer and cook, covered until potatoes are almost tender about 8 minutes.

4. Add the tomatoes and bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered for about 8-10 minute until reduced a bit.

5. Finally add the corn, and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley and/or scallion greens if you’d like.