Poblano, Corn, and Potato Chowder

This chowder gets its body from potatoes rather than a heavy flour base. Poblano brings a mild roasted-pepper flavor, while corn stays sweet and distinct in the bowl. Dice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same pace; the recipe serves four as lunch with bread.

Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or chives
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Method

1. Warm the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and poblano and cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds. Add potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat, partially cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the largest potato pieces are tender when pierced with a knife.
4. Scoop about 1 cup of potatoes and broth into a bowl and mash with a fork. Return the mash to the pot to thicken the soup while leaving the remaining pieces whole.
5. Add corn and milk. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is hot. Do not let the milk boil rapidly.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve with cilantro or chives and a squeeze of lime.

Variations

Use red bell pepper if poblano is unavailable, or add a small diced carrot with the onion. For a richer bowl, stir in 2 tablespoons sour cream off the heat. Offer hot sauce at the table instead of adding heat to the whole pot.

Storage and reheating

Cool promptly and refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring until steaming; add a splash of broth or milk if the potatoes have thickened the soup. Avoid a hard boil after reheating.

Read the plan dinner leftovers as tomorrow's lunch and meal planning with a short shopping list for more ways to plan lunch. Add this recipe to the Lucru Home grocery list and list any missing ingredients before shopping.