Zucchini Corn Chowder

Zucchini and corn are so bountiful and readily available in summer, making this easy zucchini-corn chowder recipe the perfect solution. In addition, while fresh is best, you can usually find these ingredients in the market all year long.

Summer is here, and anyone who lives in my neck of the woods probably knows someone who is growing zucchini. In fact, if you do, then you know they will be offering to give you some because zucchini is one of the easiest and most prolific vegetables you can grow.

It typically is ready to harvest in early summer, and I can always count on my brother-in-law to share his harvest.

More Delicious Zucchini Recipes: Zucchini Latkes.....Chocolate Zucchini Bread.....Stuffed Zucchini.....Zucchini Gratin

Making Zucchini Corn Chowder

I wanted to make a summer corn chowder with zucchini. So I started with a typical mirepoix, which is just diced carrots, celery, and onions.

Many chowders also have bacon in them and use the fat from the bacon in the soup. However, I wanted to keep this one vegetarian, so I used butterfat, and I grilled the corn to give the dish a smoky flavor. Many chowders also have potatoes, but I didn't think this one needed it.

Chopped up zucchini with broth goes in and simmers until it's soft.

Then you add half of the grilled fresh corn kernels before pureeing the entire pot with an immersion blender. (You can use a food processor or a good blender also.)

Alternatively, you can process the soup until it is 100% smooth. In that case, you will want to add all of the corn before processing. Or, you can leave a little of it with a chunky texture, which is what I preferred. In that case, you can add in the remaining half of the corn kernels after processing the rest of the batch.

You are left with a rich, hearty, creamy, and tasty soup.

Can You Freeze Zucchini Chowder?

Yes, in fact, that is exactly what I did with the leftovers from this batch, and it tasted just as good as the first time we ate it. That means you can make a pot and freeze it for the winter. How nice will it be to pull out and serve up a bowl of summer fresh zucchini corn chowder when there's snow outside?  Just make sure you use an airtight container that is suitable for the freezer.  

Can I tell you that my husband said that this corn chowder with zucchini was one of the best things I've ever made? I was so thrilled to hear that, and I will definitely be making this again very soon.