Avocado-Corn Chowder
Avocado-Corn Chowder Recipe
Introduction
Avocado-Corn Chowder is a creamy, comforting soup that combines the rich, buttery flavor of avocados with the sweet crunch of corn. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a hearty meal that is both nutritious and delicious. Whether you're a fan of avocados or looking to try something new, this chowder is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
History
The Avocado-Corn Chowder is a modern twist on traditional corn chowder recipes. Corn chowder has its roots in Native American cuisine, with European settlers adopting and adapting the dish. The addition of avocados to the chowder is a relatively recent innovation, reflecting the growing popularity of avocados in contemporary cuisine. This recipe represents a fusion of traditional and modern culinary trends, creating a dish that is both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 (32 oz (907 g)) package reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 3 california avocados, peeled and chopped
- 1 (12 oz (340 g)) package frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp ground cumin
- 1 cup almond milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How to prepare
- Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and the next 3 ingredients, and sauté for 6 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Gradually add the broth, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the avocado and the next 3 ingredients, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Stir in the half-and-half, and cook for 10 minutes. Sprinkle each serving with cheese, if desired.
Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based cheese. You can also add other vegetables like potatoes or carrots to the chowder for additional flavor and nutrition.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure your Avocado-Corn Chowder turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:
- Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a smoother chowder, blend part of the soup before adding the corn and avocados.
- For a richer flavor, consider roasting the corn before adding it to the soup.
- To prevent the avocados from browning, add them towards the end of the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Avocado-Corn Chowder hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
The key to a successful chowder is to sauté the vegetables until they are soft before adding the flour and liquids. This technique helps to develop the flavors and ensures a smooth, thick soup.
Ingredient Substitutions
If almond milk is not available, any other type of milk or cream can be used. Additionally, frozen corn can be replaced with fresh corn if in season.
Make Ahead Tips
This chowder can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Presentation Ideas
For an elegant presentation, serve the chowder in hollowed-out bread bowls. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a slice of avocado.
Pairing Recommendations
Avocado-Corn Chowder pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied beer like a pilsner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the avocados from becoming mushy.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A serving of Avocado-Corn Chowder contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a suitable option for those looking for a nutritious and filling meal without consuming too many calories.
Carbohydrates
A serving of Avocado-Corn Chowder contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are the corn, onions, and all-purpose flour. These carbohydrates provide the body with energy and are an essential part of a balanced diet.
Fats
This chowder is relatively high in healthy fats, primarily due to the avocados and almond milk. A serving contains about 15 grams of fat, most of which are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These "good" fats are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Proteins
Each serving of Avocado-Corn Chowder provides approximately 5 grams of protein. The protein in this recipe comes from the almond milk and the small amount present in the vegetables. For a higher protein content, consider adding shredded chicken or another protein source.
Vitamins and minerals
Avocado-Corn Chowder is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the red bell pepper, Vitamin E from the avocados, and various B vitamins from the corn and onions. It also provides minerals such as potassium and magnesium, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Alergens
This recipe contains potential allergens such as dairy (butter) and nuts (almond milk). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should consider suitable substitutions.
Summary
Overall, Avocado-Corn Chowder is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal. However, those with specific dietary needs or allergies should adjust the recipe accordingly.
Summary
Avocado-Corn Chowder is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for any season. With its nutritious ingredients and comforting taste, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with variations, this chowder is a versatile and satisfying meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As I sifted through the yellowed papers and faded clippings, my eyes landed on a worn-out index card with the words "Avocado-Corn Chowder" scrawled in elegant cursive.
I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but the ingredients list intrigued me. Avocados, corn, onions, garlic, and a splash of lime juice - it sounded like the perfect combination of flavors for a refreshing summer soup. I immediately knew that I had to make it.
As I set out to gather the ingredients, memories flooded back to me of all the different recipes I had collected over the years. Some were passed down from my own mother, while others were shared by friends and neighbors. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a connection to a moment or a person that had touched my life in some way.
I remembered the time when Mrs. Johnson from down the street had taught me how to make her famous apple pie, with its flaky crust and sweet cinnamon filling. Or the summer I spent with my Aunt Ruth, learning how to pickle cucumbers and make homemade jams.
But this recipe for Avocado-Corn Chowder felt different. It was like stumbling upon a hidden treasure, a culinary gem waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. I could almost taste the creamy avocado, the sweet corn, and the tangy lime as I imagined how they would come together in a delicious soup.
I chopped the onions and garlic, sautéed them in a pot until they were golden brown and fragrant. Then I added the corn kernels, letting them sizzle and pop in the heat. Next came the avocados, their creamy flesh adding a rich and luxurious texture to the soup.
I poured in the vegetable broth, letting it simmer and meld with the flavors of the vegetables. A squeeze of lime juice added a bright and zesty finish to the chowder, balancing out the richness of the avocados and the sweetness of the corn.
As I ladled the soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in my collection. The Avocado-Corn Chowder was a revelation, a bold and unexpected twist on traditional soup recipes that I had come to know and love.
I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends, to see their faces light up with delight as they tasted the unique and delicious flavors of the chowder. And as I sat down to enjoy a bowl of the soup myself, I felt grateful for the serendipitous moment that had led me to discover this culinary treasure.
From that day on, the recipe for Avocado-Corn Chowder became a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the joy and inspiration that cooking can bring. It was a testament to the power of sharing and learning from others, of embracing new flavors and ingredients with an open heart and a curious mind.
And as I continued to cook and create in my kitchen, I knew that there would always be more recipes to discover, more stories to uncover, and more memories to savor. Cooking had become not just a passion, but a way of connecting with the world around me, one delicious dish at a time.
Categories
| American Recipes | Avocado Recipes | Cheddar Recipes | Cheese Recipes | Chicken Stock And Broth Recipes | Corn Recipes | Hass Avocado Recipes | Thyme Recipes |